AMIR’S ANXIETY AND MOTIVE IN KHALED
HOSSEINI’S THE KITE RUNNER
A THESIS
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion for
the Degree of Sarjana Sastra (S.S) in English Language specialized in
Literature
By:
AJENG PANCAR TAMARA
C11.2009.01049
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
DIAN NUSWANTORO UNIVERSITY
SEMARANG
2013
STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY
I certify that this thesis is absolutely my own work. I am completely responsible
for the content of this thesis. Opinions or findings of others are quoted and cited
with respect to ethical standard.
Semarang, October 2013
Ajeng Pancar Tamara
MOTTO
All iz well (3 idiots)
DEDICATION
This thesis is dedicated to:
-
My beloved parents
-
My literature lecturers
-
My University, Dian Nuswantoro University
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
At this happiest moment, I wish a prayer to my Lord, Allah SWT who has
blessed me during writing this thesis.
Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere thanks to:
1. Mr. Achmad Basari, S.S., M.Pd., Dean of Faculty of Humanities of Dian
Nuswantoro University, who gave me permission to conduct this thesis.
2. Mr. Sarif Syamsu Rizal M.Hum., The head of English Department of Strata 1
Program, Faculty of Humanities, Dian Nuswantoro University, who gave me
permission to conduct this thesis.
3. Mr. Muhammad Rifqi, S.S, M.Pd., my advisor, for his continuous an valuable
guidance, advice, and encouragement in completing and finishing this thesis.
4. Ms. Valentina Widya, M.Hum., who makes me sure that I have to follow my
heart and passion to choose a section I want to take. I find home in literature
section.
5. Mrs. Haryati Sulistyorini, M.Hum., one of my literature’s lecturer, who
introduces, teaches and makes me more interested in literature.
6. All lectures at the English Department of Faculty of Humanities of Dian
Nuswantoro Unversity, who have taught, motivated, given guidance and a
chance to get more experience and develop my skill in English language
during studying in English Department of Faculty of Humanities of Dian
Nuswantoro University.
7. The librarians of Self Access Centre of Faculty of Humanities of Dian
Nuswantoro University for her permission to me for using some valuable
references to write this thesis.
8. My beloved parents, Kiswara and Tri Ita Pudji Lestari and little sister, Nena
Ivon Adiala, for their big support.
9. My big family, especially my carest aunty, Farokah, and cousin, Rizky
Dyahayu Pratiwi, for their big support and help.
10. All my friends in English Department of Faculty of Humanities of Dian
Nuswantoro University, especially Resti, Vivi, Ima.
Finally, I do realize that due to my limited ability, this thesis must have
shortcoming. For this I welcome any suggestions and critics.
Semarang, October 2013
The Writer
Ajeng Pancar Tamara
ABSTRACT
This thesis entitled ‘Amir’s Anxiety and Motive in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite
Runner’ analyze Amir’s anxiety and motive. Library research method is used to
gain the references dealing with the object of analysis. The structural and
psychological approaches are used to analyze the intrinsic and extrinsic elements.
The structural approach uses to analyze character, conflict, setting and plot.
Psychological approach is used to analyze anxiety and motive of Amir.
The results show Amir as a caring, inferior, coward, optimistic, anxious, selfish,
careless, sly and patient person. Amir is round static character since he has more
than one specific trait but his characteristic as a caring person remains the same
during the story. Amir experiences both internal and external conflict.
The setting reveals in The Kite Runner are setting of time, social and place
between 1975-2001 dealing with significant event Amir experience. The plot
starts from Amir’s effort to get Baba’s recognition and respect, Amir’s anxiety
after betraying Hassan, Amir’s effort to take Sohrab out from Kabul, the liberation
Sohrab from Assef, the Sohrab’s suicide trial, Amir’s effort to get back Sohrab’s
trust.
Amir’s anxiety and motive are the extrinsic element analyzed using psychological
approach. Realistic, neurotic and moral anxiety are anxiety experienced by Amir.
In addition Amir’s motives are safety and security need, belongingness and love
need, and self esteem need.
Keywords: anxiety, motive, plot, setting, “The Kite Runner”, TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE OF TITLE.....................................................................................
i
PAGE OF APPROVAL..........................................................................
ii
STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY........................................................
iii
MOTTO....................................................................................................
iv
DEDICATION.........................................................................................
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.......................................................................
vi
ABSTRACT.............................................................................................
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.........................................................................
ix
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study......................................................
1
1.2. Statement of the Problem......................................................
3
1.3. Scope of the Study................................................................
3
1.4. Objective of the Study..........................................................
3
1.5. Significance of the Study......................................................
4
1.6. Method of the Study.............................................................
4
1.6.1. Research Design...........................................................
5
1.6.2. Unit of Analysis...........................................................
5
1.6.3. Source of Data.............................................................
5
1.6.4. Technique of Data Collection......................................
6
1.6.5. Technique of Data Analysis.........................................
7
1.7 Thesis Organization ...............................................................
8
CHAPTER II AUTHOR AND SYNOPSIS
2.1. Khaled Hosseini and His Work ...........................................
10
2.2. Synopsis of The Kite Runner ...............................................
11
CHAPTER III REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
3.1. Intrinsic Elements.................................................................
17
3.1.1 Character....................................................................
17
3.1.2 Conflict ...................................................................
18
3.1.3 Setting ....................................................................
19
3.1.4 Plot..........................................................................
20
3.2. Extrinsic Element .................................................................
20
3.2.1. Anxiety .......................................................................
22
3.2.2. Motive .........................................................................
23
CHAPTER IV DISCUSSION
4.1. General Description and Characterization of
Amir.............. ......................................................................
26
4.2. Conflict ................................................................................
44
4.2.1. Internal Conflict ..........................................................
45
4.2.2 External Conflict...........................................................
48
4.2.2.1. Amir against Hassan........................................
49
4.2.2.2. Amir against Baba............................................
49
4.2.2.3. Amir against Rahim Khan................................
50
4.2.2.3. Amir against Assef..........................................
51
4.2.2.4. Amir against Raymond Andrew......................
52
4.2.2.5 Amir against Omar Faisal.................................
52
4.2.2.6 Amir against Sohrab.........................................
53
4.3. Setting ..................................................................................
54
4.3.1. Setting of Time ............................................................
54
4.3.2. Setting of Social ..........................................................
58
4.3.3. Setting of Place............................................................
62
4.4. Plot.........................................................................................
68
4.5. Amir’s Anxiety......................................................................
79
4.5.1. Amir’s Realistic Anxiety.............................................
79
4.5.2. Amir’s Neurotic Anxiety..............................................
82
4.5.3. Amir’s Moral Anxiety..................................................
83
4.6. Amir’s Motive........................................................................
88
4.6.1. Amir’s Safety and Security Need...............................
88
4.6.2. Amir’s Belongingness and Love Need.......................
92
4.6.3. Amir’s Self Esteem Need............................................
94
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION
5.1. Conclusion.......................................................................
98
5.2. Suggestion.......................................................................
101
BIBLIOGRAPHY...................................................................................
102
APPENDICES................................................................................... ......
103
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Literary work is assumed as a mirror of a real world. As asserted by
Teeuw (1984:50) in his book Sastra Dan Ilmu Sastra, Abrams’ frame work of
literary criticism which evaluates a literary work in way of imitation to the
world known as mimetic criticism. The characters and setting within the story
may represent the age, the culture and the social in a certain place.
In a literary work the reader may find a character experiences a lot of
conflicts. Those conflicts give a significant impact for the character’s
personality. The conflict which is experienced by the character mostly coming
from his society and his inner side. As stated by Mischel (1980:411), the field
of personality is about how to see man development and change, emotion and
thought, learning and putting himself in social relations.
The Kite Runner is a novel containing sociological and psychological
issues. The story describes how the social barrier between Pashtuns and
Hazaras in Afghanistan society makes a coward and inferior boy such Amir,
the main character, experiencing a lot of conflict. Conflicts experienced by
Amir lead him to experience anxiety. A big anxiety experienced by Amir
happened when he sacrificed Hassan, Amir’s beloved Hazaras servant and
friend, letting Hassan got raped by Assef to save his last kite from kite-fighting
tournament he just won in order to get Baba’s respect and recognition. This
kind of anxiety later causes more conflicts, further anxiety and change of
Amir’s personality become a bad person toward Hassan. According to Freud in
Hejjle (1992:102), anxiety is a condition of a man getting an intense feeling of
fear toward his impending danger.
People always have a background to do everything in their life and so
does Amir. As stated by Morris (1999:416), motive is an inner direction forcing
a need which direct behavior toward a goal. In this story, Amir’s motive appears
in some big conditions and purpose. Some conditions that shows Amir’s big
motive to solve his problem and reach his goal are, first, when Amir reveals
his willing to get Baba’s recognition and respect by showing Baba that Amir is
worthy as a son and boy by winning the kite-fighting tournament. Second,
when Amir decided to send Hassan out from his home and life since Amir
could not bear his anxiety after letting Hassan got raped by Assef. Third, when
Amir knew that Hassan was his half brother so he accepted Rahim Khan
request to take Sohrab ,Hassan’s son, out from Kabul to redeem his betrayal
toward Hassan. Fourth, when Amir chasing the kite for Sohrab as he wants to
get Sohrab’s trust after he broke his promise and made Sohrab commit suicide.
The motives that appear in Amir’s life change his personality from a coward to
be an optimistic, sly, even to be a caring person.
Based on the previous explanation, the writer decides to discuss Amir’s
anxiety and motive he get while the structural elements of the story is also
examined together . Finally the writer chooses “Amir’s Anxiety and Motive in
Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner “ as the title of this thesis.
1.2 Statements of the Problem
In line with the background of the study, the statements of the problem are:
1. What is the general description of Amir as the main character in The Kite
Runner?
2. What conflicts are experienced by Amir as the main character?
3. What are setting and plot revealed in The Kite Runner?
4. What are Amir’s anxiety and motive in The Kite Runner?
1.3 Scope of the Study
Considering the research questions, the writer focuses on analyzing the
general description of Amir as the main character and his conflicts. The writer
also concerns on psychological aspects, especially anxiety and motive to analyze
Amir’s anxiety and needs as his motive. In addition, the setting and plot are also
added to support the analysis of Amir’s anxiety and motive.
1.4 Objective of the Study
Based on the research questions, the objectives of the study are as follows :
1.
To describe the general description of Amir in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite
Runner
2.
To describe conflicts experienced by Amir as the main character
Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner
in
3.
To describe the setting and plot revealed in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite
Runner.
4.
To describe Amir’s anxiety and motive in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite
Runner.
1.5 The Significance of the Study
1.
For the writer
The study is beneficial for the writer in applying the theory to the
psychological issues in the best seller novel on New York Times 2003,
The Kite Runner written by an Afghan writer, Khaled Hosseini.
2.
For the reader
To give further knowledge about the structural elements in literature such
as characters, conflicts, setting and plot to improve the reader’s knowledge
on the way how to recognize person’s anxiety and motive.
3.
For the university
It can be one of contribution as an additional reference for the library of
Dian Nuswantoro University, especially for Literature Section.
1.6
Methods of the Study
The methods that the writer will use to analyze Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite
Runner are :
1.6.1
Research Design
In this thesis, the writer uses a novel by Khaled Hosseini entitled The
Kite Runner as the object of analysis. On analyzing the data, the writer used
qualitative descriptive research.
Azwar in Harsono (1999:115) states that the important role in
qualitative descriptive research is descriptive analysis. It is because the result
of the research can be guaranteed by the group of data that have been
examined and does not have any attention for hypothesis testing
In this thesis, the data are taken from The Kite Runner. The writer
uses the sentences representing Amir character, conflict, setting and plot to
analyze his anxiety and motive in The Kite Runner.
1.6.2
Unit of Analysis
In order to answer the research questions, the units of analysis are
determined namely character, conflict, setting and plot as structural element
and anxiety and motive also as psychological aspects.
1.6.3
Source of Data
There are two kinds of sources in collecting the data. They are the
primary and secondary data. The primary data means the data which are taken
from literary work studied. In this case, the primary data source is The Kite
Runner novel as the object of the research. The intrinsic element was taken
from this novel. The secondary data were taken from books and journal
articles supporting the analysis of Amir’s anxiety and motive.
1.6.4
Technique of Data Collection
In order to gain the valid result, the data were collected as many as
possible. All the data were carefully collected from the primary data source.
Some steps that the writer did in collecting data and making this
thesis are :
The first is reading the novel. During the reading process, the
characters, conflicts, setting and plot also Amir’s anxiety and motive were
identified and comprehended deeply.
The second is transferring the data into data table. The data in the
table were numbered based on the order of their occurrence in the novel.
Every datum was classified based on the categorization relevant to the study
such as character and general description, conflicts, setting, plot and some
aspects related to anxiety and motive on psychological field.
The third is collecting secondary data. In this step, the relevant
theory and information related to the study were used appropriately. The data
were taken from some sources, including printed books and electronic sources
in the internet concerning literary theory and psychology.
1.6.5
Technique of Data Analysis
In this thesis the data were analyzed as the object by using
structural approach and psychological approaches. According to Harsono
(1999:47), structural approach can be referred to a modern linguistics that is
introduced by Ferdinand Saussure which is assumed that a literary work as a
work of imagination can stand by itself. The Structural approach was used to
analyze character, conflict, plot and setting.
As stated by Moghaddam (2004) at www.sagepublications.com ,
both of psychology and literature examine particular parts of
human
experience. Both of them have same goal to understand better about
individual behavior and mental life. From the previous explanation the
psychological approach was used to examine and explain Amir’s anxiety and
motive in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner which can be seen from his
behavior.
Dealing with those two major approaches, some steps were done in
analyzing the data. The first step is applying the structural approach to
analyze the intrinsic element such as the character, conflict, plot and setting.
In applying structural approach the writer did the following steps:
1.
Analyzing the character and characterization of Amir. This part
must have correlation with the conflict.
2.
Analyzing the setting, such as setting of place, setting of time
and setting of social.
3.
Making and analyzing the plot of The Kite Runner dealing with
the main character’s significant conflict and setting which is
revealed in the story.
4.
Analyzing the correlation among those elements.
The second step is applying psychological approach to analyze and
connect between the character, conflict, and setting to understand how the
main character experienced anxiety and got motive which both of them
belong to the psychological field. Some steps were carried out in analyzing
the external element using psychological approach such as :
1.
Analyzing extrinsic element. This was done by finding the
relation between the internal aspects found previously to the
external aspects related to psychological aspects. This analysis
focuses on the characterization of
main character and his
behavior.
2. Analyzing the conflict related to typified character and its
development.
3. Analyzing on psychological aspect experienced by the main
character, especially anxiety and motive.
1.7 Thesis Organization
The thesis organization consists of five chapters. Those chapters are
arranged systematically to present the problem well. Those five chapters consist
of:
Chapter I is Introduction consisting of background of the study, statement of
the problem, scope of the study, objective of the study, the significance of the
study, methods of the study and thesis organization.
Chapter II is Author and Synopsis of the Story. It covers biography of
Khaled Hosseini and his works. This chapter also contains of the synopsis The
Kite Runner.
Chapter III is Review of Related Literature. This chapter would presents
both of the intrinsic of the novel and psychological elements – anxiety and motive
which is really clear experienced by Amir as the main character in The Kite
Runner.
Chapter IV is Discussion. It discusses about Amir, and some intrinsic
elements that could show what kind of person Amir is and how could the intrinsic
element gives impact for his psychology.
Chapter V is Conclusion and Suggestion. This chapter presents the
conclusions of the study and also the suggestion.
CHAPTER II
AUTHOR AND SYNOPSIS OF THE STORY
2.1 Khaled Hosseini’s Biography and his Work
Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan on March 4 1965. He
spent his childhood in Kabul until his 11 years old. He was the oldest of 5
children his parent had. Khaled’s father was a diplomat in the Afghan Foreign
Ministry and his mother was a Senior High School teacher in Kabul taught Farsi
and History.
In 1976 Khaled Hosseini and his family moved to Paris because Foreign
Ministry relocated them. They were ready to return to Kabul in 1980 when
unfortunately Kabul experienced a worst communist coup and the invasion of the
Soviet Army, so that Khaled’s family sought and asked political asylum in the
United States of America and that was granted . Later, Khaled Hosseini and his
family moved to San Jose, California in September 1980. Khaled Hosseini lives in
Northern California until now.
Khaled Hosseini graduated from Senior High School in 1984. He went to
Santa Clara University and got his bachelor degree in Biology. The following
year, Khaled entered the University of California in San Diego, School of
Medicine. In 1993 Khaled earned his medical degree and became a practicing
internist between 1996 to 2004.
It was in 2001 he wrote his first novel The Kite Runner. In 2003 The Kite
Runner finally was published by Riverhead Books. This debut became an
International Best Seller. Sold in seventy countries and holding more than a
hundred week on the New York Times bestseller list.
The great achievment from Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner made
UNHCR named him as Goodwill Envay then made an Afghanistan trip with the
UNHCR and established The Khaled Hosseini Foundation. This is a nonprofit
foundation providing humanitarian assistance dedicated to people of Afghanistan.
Recognizing great achievment of The Kite Runner, Khaled wrote his
second novel and released in 2007, A Thousand Splendid Suns. This novel reached
the first rank on New York Times. Those two novels have sold more than ten
million copies in US and more than thirty eight copiest worldwide.
Considering the great achievment of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner
novel, later in 2011 The Kite Runner adapted into graphic novel. Khaled Hosseini
released his third novel entitled And The Mountains Echoed on 21 May 2013.
2.2 Synopsis of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner
Amir’s mind brings him to recall some events happened when he was a
boy grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan , just after Rahim Khan gave him a call from
Pakistan. Rahim Khan wanted Amir to see him in Pakistan.
Amir’s memory recalled him how he passed his childhood in Kabul.
Living in a big and luxurious house with his father called as Baba. His memory
brought him into his two loyal Hazaras servants. They were Ali and his son,
Hassan, the two Hazaras who were very meaningful for Amir, especially Hassan.
Amir and Hassan grew up together just like a brother. They were very
close but the social barrier between them as a Pashtuns and Hazaras made Amir
too shy to show how valuable Hassan was for him.
One day when Amir and Hassan were playing, Assef, Wali and Kamal –
Amir’s Pashtun friends - teased and bullied Amir as he hung around with a
Hazara such Hassan. Seeing that, Hassan used his slingshot to stop Assef. Hassan
made Assef and his friends go away but Assef promised that it was not the end.
Hassan would face him.
The story continued to the winter times when the kite fighting tournament
happened. In Afghanistan, kite tournament is really famous and great for boys. By
this tournament, Amir wanted to get Baba’s notice. He wanted to prove to his
Baba, although he did not love to watch football like his father, prefer to burry
himself read many poetry books, never fights back and just dropped his head
when his friends bully him, it does not mean he did not has any good ability a boy
had. To help Amir, Hassan wanted to be his kite runner since he had a good
instinct to chase a kite by feeling the wind. Amir’s kite became the last kite flying
on the sky. The time when Amir won the tournament, Hassan chased the last
losing kite for Amir.
The sun was setting down when Hassan still had not come back yet. Amir
looked for him and secretly found him trapped by Assef’s gang at the end of alley.
He could hear Assef tried to take his last kite as an equal paying if Hassan wanted
to leave Assef, but Hassan did not give the kite as he knew that the kite was the
key for Amir to win Baba’s heart.
Amir wanted to stand for Hassan but he was really coward to do that, so
that, from behind the wall he just saw Assef raped Hassan and later he ran away.
Amir made an excuse to himself that Hassan was just a Hazara who did not mean
anything.
Hassan appeared with the kite and Amir acted as if he did not know
anything. They arrived at home and his Baba was really happy and proud of Amir
but unfortunately after that day Amir always tried to stay away from Hassan.
Amir’s guilty feeling made him feel unsafe when Hassan was around him. He
tried to send Hassan away from his live. He put his watch and some money under
Hassan mattress when Hassan and Ali went out. Amir tried to make a condition as
if Hassan stole Amir’s watch and money. Shortly after Hassan admited it, he and
Ali left Amir’s home eventhough Baba said that he would forgive them.
On March 1981, Kabul was getting worst. Kabul was invaded by Soviet.
Kabul became a battle field so Amir and his Baba escaped to Pakistan. Two years
later they arrived and lived in Fremont, California.
America gave them new hope. One day Baba saw his old friend, General
Taheri, whose daughter became Amir’s wife then. Her name was Soraya. Baba
passed away just a month after Amir’s wedding. The time went on but they still
did not get a baby but Amir still had a good career as a novelist.
One day Amir got a call from Rahim Khan, his Baba closest partner that
he knew very well. Rahim Khan was sick and he wanted Amir to meet him in
Pakistan by adding his last words “there is a way to be good again”.
On that meeting Rahim Khan told Amir that actually Hassan was not only
a Hazara, not just his loyal servant but also Amir’s half brother. Baba had affair
with Sanaubar, a Hazara woman. The fact made Amir felt more guilty since he
ever betrayed Hassan for his own willing toward Baba. Amir’s heart broke when
Rahim Khan told him that Hassan and his wife was died in Afghanistan on
Taliban’s hand. Hassan and his wife was died in a land where there was no right
for a Hazara and he left a little son who was living in orphanage now.
Rahim Khan wanted Amir to take Sohrab, Hassan’s son, from Kabul, and
brought him to Pakistan because there was a couple of American who would take
care of him. Their name were Mr. and Mrs.Caldwell. Amir did not want to accept
Rahim Khan request since he knew that Kabul was an unsafe place, yet he already
had a beautiful life, wife and carrer in America. On the other hand he also thought
that his Baba and himself had a big sin toward Hassan. They let Hassan got a
worst life. Finally Amir accepted what Rahim Khan asked for.
In Afghanistan Amir could not find Sohrab in the orphanage where Sohrab
was sent. Zaman, the orphanage director said that Taliban official took him a
month earlier. Zaman informes Amir that he could find the Taliban in Ghazi
Staduim. After finding the Taliban, Amir set up a meeting with official and
delivers his purpose.
Guards brought Sohrab in.
Sohrab was like a boy getting a sexual
harassment. The official said something making Amir remember one thing. Amir
was shocked, he realized that the official was Assef. Assef said that Amir might
bring Sohrab out if Amir could bring Assef down in a battle. It was the only way
to finish their unfinished business.
Assef threw Amir against the wall for many times. He kicked and threw
him again until he bleeded. Seeing that, Sohrab threatened Assef with his
slingshot, pointed his slingshot and shooted Assef on his eye and later helped
Amir to get out of that place. They escaped together.
After the fighting, Amir was sent to hospital and got recovery. At that
time, he tried to get information about Mr.Caldwell but they were not there. This
fact made Amir thinks that he could adopt Sohrab. Amir asked Sohrab to live with
him in America, and he accepted it. The process did not run well, the adoption
official told Amir that he could not adopt Sohrab for he could not prove that
Sohrab’s parents were dead.
Amir told Sohrab that he might have to go back to an orphanage for a
moment while Amir and his wife tried to adopt and bring Sohrab to America.
Sohrab had a big trauma with orphanage, he asked Amir not to send him back to
any orphanage. Before Amir informed the newest information that Amir could
bring him to America, Amir found Sohrab trying to kill himself. Fortunately,
Sohrab was still alive but he did not believe Amir anymore by stop speaking and
being close to Amir even when Amir already brought him to America.
One day on March 2002, Amir and his big family and Sohrab went to a
Afghans’ gathering at Lake Elizabeth Park in Fremont, America. Amir could see
people were flying kites so he bought and asked Sohrab to fly kite together with
him. Sohrab did not want to but when Amir showed Sohrab how the way he and
Hassan, Sohrab’s father, flew the kite when they were young, Sohrab tried to fly
the kite. Amir showed Sohrab, Hassan’s best trick when they won. Amir chased
the kite for Sohrab and when he looked down at Sohrab, one corner of Sohrab’s
mouth has cruled up. Sohrab smiled. It meant a lot for Amir.
CHAPTER III
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
3.1 Intrinsic Elements
In analyzing a literary work, discussing the intrinsic elements within the
literary work is a must. As asserted by Bressler in Literary Criticism (1994:38) a
literary work can be examined on the text itself. An approach used to analyze a
literary work on its meaning independent on its author intention, the emotional
state, the values and beliefs of either its author or reader known as New Criticism.
Character and characterization, theme, plot, setting, conflict, and figurative
language are the intrinsic elements building a literary work (Semi, 1988:35).
Dealing with the importance of the intrinsic elements’ discussing in a
liteary work, it is important to support the study with the review of the character
and characterization, conflict and setting as a part of intrinsic elements.
3.1.1. Character
Every author puts some characters in a story for a purpose. The character is
author’s key to deliver to the reader what the story tells about. There are two
major character in a play or fiction story. They are main and minnor character.
As stated by Nurgiyantoro (2002:177) , the main character is a center
character who always can be seen in every event in a story from the beginning to
the end of the story. The main character also a character who described most and
suffered in a story. Meanwhile, a minnor character means a character who rarely
appears in a story. (Perrine, 1984:69)
In a story or play , a character can be devided by its typified, flat and round.
As asserted by Perrine (1984:69) a character having more complex and
differentiated features in a story is called as round character. While, a flat
character is a character dominated by one or two trait.
In addition, Perrine stated also that all fictional characters can be classified
as static or dynamic character. Static character is a character who shows same sort
person from beginning to the end of the story. Meanwhile, the dynamic character
is a character who shows a change in his character, personality, or outlook
(1984:71).
3.1.2. Conflict
In a fiction story and play, conflict considered as one of the most important
intrinsic elements. Conflict is a key to build the story, to describe the
characterization of the character within and to send a moral message to the reader
in the end of a story. As stated by Perrine (1984:42), conflict is a clash of action,
ideas, desires or wills. It means a conflict can be a visible and unvisible clash.
They may be physical, emotional even mental.
Based on the explanation above, a conflict can be classified into two,
namely external and internal conflicts. External conflict is a conflict showing the
main character against another character as a person, society and its rules, and
nature. While, internal conflict is a conflict arises within himself. Many external
conflict experienced by a character may lead him or her to experience an internal
conflict at a same time.
3.1.3 Setting
Setting is another important intrinsic element in a literary work since a
setting can describe and influence a character in certain action. Klarer (1999:25)
states that, the word of setting is reffered to the location, historical period, and
social surroundings in which the action of a text develops. Hence, Klarer
(1999:26) said that author not choosing a setting for its own sake, but to support
action, character and narrative perspective from additional level. It can be
concluded that there are three types of a setting namely setting of place or
location, setting of time or historical period
and setting of social or social
surrounding.
Setting of place describes where the story take place. The setting of place
usually gives an influence toward the character’s behavior within the story since
every place has its own rules. In addition, setting of social is as important as the
setting of place. Setting of social desribes the society’s condition where the
character grows up and learn about what he or she may and may not do. Every
person grows in his own society and its rules. The society will shape person’s
behavior, personality and mentality. Beside describes the society of the story,
setting of social also shows in what class the main character belong. On the other
hand, setting of time shows when the story run. A setting of time may show and
give indication to the reader about people’s condition in the story in a certain era
which gives influence to the character.
3.1.4 Plot
There are many incidents within a story. As stated by Perrine
(1984:43) sequence of incidents which composed a story is known as Plot. Plot
may contain and show to the reader what a character says and thinks as good as
what he does.
The part of plot is divided into five. First is exposition or preliminary
situation. The background of the story appears in this level. Exposition may
present to the reader about the initial situation to go on with the story. Second is
the inciting force. Inciting force shows the first part of exposition and it is
dynamic. This level usually contains a challenge, threat or danger to the condition
of the protagonist. Third is rising action. It ties the exposition into a knot. Rising
action consist of the action taken by protagonist and by the forces against him.
The fourth is the climax. This is the part of event which determines how the
conflict will end good or bad for the protagonist. The last is resolution. The
resolution presents the outcome and stable situation.
3.2 Extrinsic Element
The appearance of
psychoanalytic criticism, feminism and marxism
emphasize that literary work can be reffered to as a mirror of the world. The
character and the society within the story which give influence to the literary work
can be analyzed by human and social discipline’s theory or study. According to
Semi (1988:35), the outside elements of a literay work give influence for the
literary work itself called as extrinsic element.
The extrinsic elements examined in this study is psychological of the main
character. The psychological approach will be used to examine the main
character’s anxiety and motive.
3.2.1
Psychology
Psychology
is described as a study of mental processes, mind and
behavior ( Bell,2002:12). It means psychology studies the process how and what a
reason of a person doing a certain behavior in a certain condition, place and time.
Psychology
is a study that can explain person’s personality change and
development.
3.2.2
Psychology in Literature
In common case, psychology is applied to examine human’s personality,
mind, and behavior. The existance of psychoanalitic criticism, however, assumes
that the character in a literary work can be analyzed using psychological theory
too. As asserted by Endraswara (2008:45), psychology in literature is an
interdisciplinary study between psychology and literature itself. Moreover,
Moghadam (2004) in www.sagepublications.com states that both of psychology
and literature examine particular parts of human experience. Both of them have
same goal to understand better about individual behavior and mental life.
3.2.2.1 Anxiety
As stated by Freud in Hejjle (1992:102), anxiety is a condition of a
man getting an intens feeling of fear toward his impending danger. It means a
person who experienced an anxiety will not feel comfort with his own life .
Most of man experiencing anxiety will show external sign of anxiety such
pallor, sweaty and trembling or tremor. Beside external signs, man
experiencing anxiety would also get physical effects of anxiety such as heart
palpitations, fatigue, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, headache and
stomach ache. (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety). There are three types
of anxiety that Freud explain on psychological field, such as :
a. Realistic Anxiety
Realistic anxiety is an emotional response to the threat of a real
dangers in the external world. It can be said, realistic anxiety is kind of
anxiety that appears when a person face a real thing he worries about. A
fear caused by dangerous wild animal, preparing ourselves to face final
examination are some examples of realistic anxiety.
b. Neurotic Anxiety
Neurotic anxiety is an anxiety which is derived from a fear of the
severe negative consequences that may result from doing something
terrible. It means that this anxiety appears when a person afraid to get any
punishment if his ego can not control his id. A child who want to eat
rapidly will automaticly learn that his behavior may bring his parents
anger toward him, this feeling later leads the child to experience anxiety.
c. Moral Anxiety
Moral anxiety is an anxiety that appears when the ego threatened by
punishment from the superego because the ego following the immoral id.
In this case, ego is a person’s action and the superego is mind of moral
which inform a person what he should do and should not. A person
experiencing a moral anxiety means he does not follow his superego which
has already given him a true moral direction but keep following his
immoral id for certain reason. Later, this anxiety leads the person
experiencing the feelings of shame, guilt or self-condemnation as the
superego punishment.
3.2.2.2 Motive
An inner direction forcing a need which direct behavior toward a goal
known as motive (Morris, 1999:416). Every man has his own motive, it depends
on a need he needed. As asserted by Maslow in Hejjle ( 1992:448 ), he believed
that people are motivated to seek their own personal goals that make their lives
meaningful. Maslow added ,there are 5 needs people use as their motive to reach
their goal.
a. Physiological Needs
Psychological needs are assumed as the most basic, urgent and
powerful needs. This needs help a person to survive as this needs are
directly concern with biological maintenance. A person who fails to
complete this basic level of needs will not able to get the higher level of
human need. Food, drink, sleep, oxygen are some examples of the
psychological needs.
b. Safety and Security Needs
After the most basic needs complete, man will go to the higher level.
Safety and security needs are the next level that active after person complete
his psychological needs. In this level, person wants to get stability and
freedom from such threatening forces as illness, fear, and chaos.
c. Belongingness and Love Needs
Belongingness and love needs are the next need a man wants to get
when both psychological and safety and security needs had been completed.
In this level person looks for and shares attention, affectionate relationship,
caring and love with other, and a group of people arround him or her, such
as from his or her family, classmates, clique even boyfriend or girlfriend.
d. Self Esteem Needs
Maslow devided Self Esteem Needs into two basic types. The first
level is a need of self respect. A person need to know whether he or she is
capable to handle a task and challenge or not. This self respect includes
desire for competence, confidence, and achievement. The second level is
respect from others. In this level this person wants to be recognized and
valued by other people. Desire of prestige, recognition, reputation,
acceptance and status belong to this level.
e. Self Actualization Needs
Self Actualization need are the highest level of needs when the four
previous needs have already been achieved. In this level, man wants to
become everything that he or she is capable of becoming. This person will
use his or her talents, capacities and potentialities to be everything he or
she wants.
CHAPTER IV
DISCUSSION
This chapter is a part of intrinsic and extrinsic elements analysis. As
stated in the previous chapter, the intrinsic elements analyzed are the main
character, conflict, setting and plot. Meanwhile, the extrinsic elements are anxiety
and motive.
4.1 General Description of Amir
Every story has its main character. In The Kite Runner, Amir declared as
the main character because of his dominant appearance from the beginning to the
end of the story by showing his suffering toward conflict and anxiety he
experienced about. Besides that, Amir is known as the only character who has
some motives to solve his problem and get what he wants.
In addition, by paying attention toward conflict and anxiety Amir
experienced about, and motive Amir has to get what he wants and solve his
problem, Amir’s general description as the main character of The Kite Runner can
be analyzed fully. Here are the complete explanation about Amir’s general
description in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner.
4.1.1
Caring
Amir is a caring person. Dealing with the definition of caring in Oxford
Advanced Learner’s dictionary (Homby, 1995), caring person is a person who
shows his feeling affection and concern for other people. Hassan, Amir’s Baba,
and Rahim Khan are persons who get Amir’s caring.
Amir’s caring toward Hassan can be seen when Amir tried to calm Hassan
down who was crying beside Amir. Slinging his arm around Hassan and pulled
Hassan close and letting Hassan rest his head on Amir’s shoulder are the body
gestures Amir makes that shows his affection and concern toward Hassan. So that
it can be concluded that Amir is a caring person.
The explanation above is based on data number 4 below:
... I reached across my seat, slung my arm around him,
pulled him close. He rested his head on my shoulder.
(Hosseini, 2003:7)
The second proof showing Amir’s general description as a caring person
appears when Amir asked Sohrab to live with him and his wife in America. The
other reason of Amir asking Sohrab to live with him, beside Sohrab was the only
family he had, is Amir’s caring and affection toward Sohrab because of Sohrab’s
help in a bloody fight Amir had with Assef.
The sentence Amir uses to describe his big caring and affection toward
Sohrab is “What had happened in that room with Assef, had irrevocably bound
us.” The phrase “irrevocably bound us” shows Amir’s big affection and concern
toward Sohrab.
The explanation above based on the data number 44 below:
What had happened in that room with Assef had
irrevocably bound us. ... “Would you like to come live in
America with me and my wife?”
(Hosseini, 2003:279)
The third proof shows Amir’s general description as a caring person is
Amir’s question toward Sohrab whether he wanted Amir to chase the kite or not.
Amir tries to get back Sohrab trust by chasing the kite. Amir wants Sohrab
believes Amir that he can give back Sohrab’s hope and Amir’s promise to have a
better life in America together.
The sentence emphasizes Amir’s big concern and affection for Sohrab is
“For you, a thousand times over.” which means Amir will always do and try
everything and anytime what Sohrab wants.
The explanation above is based on the data number 53 below:
“Do you want me to run that kite for you?” ... I thought I
saw him nod.
“For you, a thousand times over,”
(Hosseini, 2003:323)
4.1.2 Inferior
Amir is described as an inferior person. Dealing with the definition of
inferior in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Homby,1995), an inferior
person is a person who always sees himself as a person with low importance and
quality. This kind of person usually thinks that he is unworthy and lack of self
confidence. Most of Amir’s inferiority appears dealing with his assumption that
Baba hates him.
The first situation proves Amir’s general description as an inferior person
happens when he thinks the reason why Baba prefers to get busy with his own
business than has a quality time with Amir, is caused by his birth that made his
mother dead. Amir describes himself as his mother and Baba beloved wife
murderer.
According to the meaning of assumption in Oxford Advanced Learner’s
Dictionary (Homby,1995), assumption means a thing that is thought to be true or
certain to happen but is not proved. The way Amir assuming the reason Baba does
not like to spend more time with him, that later makes Amir feels that Baba hates
him a little, shows Amir as an inferior person. Amir believes that his presence is
not important for Baba since he already murdered Baba beloved wife.
The explanation above is based on the data number 6 below:
... I always felt like Baba hated me a little. And why not?
After all, I had killed his beloved wife,
(Hosseini, 2003:17)
Amir as an inferior happens when Amir thinks that his hobby being
bookworm of poetry book does not make Baba proud of him. Amir realizes that a
real boy and a real man do not read a poetry book. They would prefer to play
soccer than bury themselves in a poetry book.
Dealing with Amir’s inferiority toward his hobby, the sentence “Of
course, marrying a poet was one thing, but fathering a son who preferred burying
his face in poetry books to hunting...well, that wasn’t Baba had envisioned it, I
suppose,” shows Amir’s big inferiority toward himself and his hobby. Amir thinks
that he is not a son that Baba wants to get.
The explanation above is based on the data number 7 below:
Of course, marrying a poet was one thing, but fathering a
son who preferred burying his face in poetry books to
hunting...well, that wasn’t Baba had envisioned it, I
suppose. Real man didn’t read poetry ... Real men – real
boys – played soccer just as Baba had when he had been
young.
(Hosseini, 2003:17)
4.1.3. Coward
As the main character in The Kite Runner, Amir is described as a coward
person. According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Homby,1995),
coward person is described as a person who lacks courage when facing a
dangerous or unpleasant situation. Most of coward person will try to avoid
unpleasant condition he needs to face. Amir’s characteristic as a coward person
appears when he was boy.
Amir’s general description as a coward person described by Baba’s
dialogue with Rahim Khan. Baba told Rahim Khan that Amir never fought back
to the boys in their neighborhood who tried to annoy him. Since, Amir just
dropped his head.
Never fighting back, dropping the head when there were boys annoyed
Amir are Amir’s behavior and gestures that shows he is a person who lacks of
courage to stand for himself. Yet there is no person who likes to be annoyed by
another people.
The explanation above is based on the data number 8 below:
“... I see how they push him around, take his toys from
him, give him a shove here, a whack there. And you know,
he never fights back. Never. He just...drops his head
and...”
(Hosseini, 2003:19)
Amir’s general description as a coward person also appears when Amir
knew Hassan was trapped by Assef and his gang in an alley. Seeing Hassan
trapped by Assef and his gang made Amir afraid. The only thing Amir could do
was seeing Hassan from behind one part of the alley, yet he knew that Hassan
needed his help.
Amir’s cowardliness can be seen by his reaction toward the situation,
such exhaling his breath it slowly and quietly. Amir’s reaction such breathing
quietly indicates Amir’s fear to produce any sound that can be heard by Assef and
may lead Assef knowing Amir’s presence in the alley, and it will bring Amir in a
bad condition. Dealing with the explanation, Amir’s reaction above is caused by
his lack of courage when he faces dangerous or unpleasant situation.
The explanation above is based on the data number 17 below:
I realized I still hadn’t breathed out. I exhaled, slowly,
quietly.
(Hosseini, 2003:63)
As a coward person Amir is not brave enough to see Hassan got raped by
Assef. So that, Amir decided to run away from the alley. Amir also knew that he
was weeping.
Dealing with the explanation above, stop watching, deciding to run away
from the alley, are Amir’s behavior represents him as a person who tries to avoid
an unpleasant situation he face because of a lack of courage. Moreover, Amir’s
body reaction such weeping can also be seen as a symbol of his big fear that arise
within himself which later makes him decides to run away.
The explanation above is based on the data number 19 below:
I stopped watching, turned away from the alley. ... I was
weeping.
(Hosseini, 2003:67)
Seeing Amir got raped by Assef, and later decided to run away than
saved Hassan from Assef is the situation when Amir’s general description as a
coward person appears clearly. In this situation, Amir admits to himself that he
was too coward and afraid of Assef. Amir was afraid of getting hurt by Assef if he
saved Hassan.
Being afraid of getting hurt, deciding to run away than standing for a
person who always shows his loyalty toward Amir are the proof that Amir is a
coward person who lack of courage to face an unpleasant situation.
The explanation above is based on the data number 20 below:
In the end, I ran.
I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of Assef and
what he would do to me. I was afraid of getting hurt.
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
Amir’s general description as a coward person also appears, after a
betrayal he did toward Hassan. Amir could not live happily since a feeling of guilt
and shame always came to him.
Amir’s guilt and shame he got after betraying Hassan, can be seen when
Amir can not stand to look at the sentences Amir ever carved on his and Hassan’s
favorite pomegranate tree. The sentences he carved were “Amir and Hassan: The
Sultan of Kabul.”
Amir’s reaction such does not look at those words, yet the words Amir
carved on the pomegranate represents Amir and Hassan’s close friendship, shows
Amir’s effort to avoid an unpleasant view he saw. Amir is lack of courage to
recognize how close his friendship with Hassan, and how shameful he is toward
himself by betraying his loyal friend and servant.
The explanation above is based on the data number 24 below:
The words I’d carved on the tree trunk with Ali’s kitchen
knife, Amir and Hassan : The Sultan of Kabul ... I couldn’t
stand looking at them now.
(Hosseini, 2003:76)
4.1.4. Optimistic
Amir is recognized as an optimistic person. Dealing with the definition of
optimistic in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Homby,1995), optimistic
person is described as a person who shows his confident and expecting the best.
Amir’s general description as an optimistic person appears when he
wanted to follow the kite-fighting tournament and won it to get Baba’s
recognition by showing that he was worthy. Amir knew that he was a good kite
fighter so that he believed that he was going to win and brought the last kite to
Baba.
The way Amir believes in himself to follow and win the kite-fighting
tournament to get Baba’s recognition, represents Amir’s big confident. Dealing
with Amir’s confidence, Amir can be concluded as an optimistic person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 10 below:
I was going to win, and I was going to run the last kite.
Then I’d bring it to home and show it to Baba. Show him
once and for all that his son was worthy.
(Hosseini, 2003:49)
Amir’s general description as an optimistic person can be seen when
Amir saw there were only two kites which keep flying on the sky and Amir’s kite
was one of them. Amir tried to concentrate to the last blue kite and it brought him
to smell a victory he believed he could get. The way Amir concentrating to the
last kite which is described in the sentence “All I saw was the blue kite. All I
smelled was victory.” shows Amir as an optimistic person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 12 below:
All I saw was the blue kite. All I smelled was victory.
(Hosseini, 2003:57)
4.1.5 Anxious
Amir is described as an anxious person. Dealing with the definition of
anxious in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Homby,1995), the definition
of anxious person is a person who easy to worry or feel uncomfortable about
something that is happening or might happen in the future.
The first proof showing Amir as an anxious person is Amir’s gesture and
body’s response when he was seeing Hassan trapped by Assef and his gang in a
alley. Amir felt his body clench up and cold rippled up his spine.
Clenching up the body and producing something cold ripples up in
Amir’s spine can be seen as Amir’s worry and uncomfortable feeling when he is
seeing an unpleasant condition experienced by Hassan.
The explanation above is based on the data number 16 below:
Blocking
Hassan
way
alley...Wali..Kamal..Assef...
out
of
the
I felt my body clench up, and something cold rippled up
my spine.
(Hosseini, 2003:62)
The second proof showing Amir’s general description as an anxious
person appears when one night he became insomniac and he tried to say to anyone
who sleeps near him that he watched Hassan got raped. Amir hoped someone
would hear his confession, so that he would not have to live with that kind of lie
anymore.
The sentence “so I wouldn’t have to live with this lie anymore” represent
Amir’s worry and uncomfortable feeling toward an unpleasant situation he
experienced which gives a bad impact toward his psychology after letting and
hiding a rude fact that Hassan got raped by Assef.
The explanation above is based on the data number 23 below:
“ I watched Hassan get raped,” I said to no one. ... A part
of me was hoping someone would wake up and hear, so I
wouldn’t have to live with this lie anymore...
That was the night I became an insomniac.
(Hosseini, 2003:75)
Amir’s general description as an anxious person can also be seen when
he felt guilty after uttering Hassan’s name, when Rahim Khan said that he was
living with Hassan in Kabul.
Dealing with the context above, as an anxious person, Amir’s anxiety can
be seen on the sentence ”Suddenly the air in Rahim Khan’s little flat was too
thick, too hot.”. Feeling the air is too thick and too hot can be seen as a symbol of
Amir’s worry and uncomfortable feeling toward an unpleasant situation that is
happening. Yet a normal person with normal feeling or emotion will not feel a
thick and hot of the air, suddenly.
Amir’s statement such “Suddenly the air in Rahim Khan’s little flat was
too thick, too hot,” describes Amir’s difficulty breathing which belongs to anxiety
physical effect. The anxiety physical effect experienced by Amir, as an anxious
person, such difficulty breathing belongs to heart palpitation. Heart palpitation is
a condition of difficulty breathing that is caused by abnormality of heartbeat that
ranges from often unnoticed skipped beats or accelerated heartrate to very
noticeable changes. Palpitation can be brought on by anxiety.
The explanation above is based on the data number 31 below:
“Hassan,” I said. ... Those thorny old barbs of guilt bore
into me once more, ... Suddenly the air in Rahim Khan’s
little flat was too thick, too hot,...
(Hosseini, 2003:176)
Hearing from Rahim Khan that Hassan was Amir’s half illegitimate
brother, makes Amir shows his anxiety that indicates him as an anxious person.
Amir’s worry and uncomfortable feeling can be seen in the sentence “The room
was swooping up and down, swaying side to side.”. The swooping up and down ,
swaying side to side room represent Amir’s shock which later leads him to
experience a worry and uncomfortable feeling.
In addition, the sentence Amir used to describe his anxious such “The
room was swooping up and down, swaying side to side.” can be seen as Amir’s
dizziness. Dealing with the definition of dizziness, dizziness is described as a
feeling of as if everything is turning round and being unable to balance.
Amir’s dizziness shows Amir’s physical effect of his anxiety. Dizziness
is a symptom usually accompanies heart palpitation which is brought on by
anxiety that makes heartbeat beats abnormally.
The explanation above is based on the data number 33 below:
I felt like a man sliding down a steep cliff, ... The room
was swooping up and down, swaying side to side.
(Hosseini, 2003:195)
Amir’s general description as an anxious person appears too when Amir
things whether he is the cause of Hassan’s death or not. Amir knew that he had
not brought the Taliban to the house and asked them to kill Hassan, but in the
other hand Amir admitted to himself that the condition would be different if he
never sent Hassan out from his home and his life.
The dilemma Amir got by thinking whether he can be said as the cause
of Hassan’s dead or not shows that Amir’s worry. This dilemma shows clearly
Amir’s general description as an anxious person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 37 below:
... I hadn’t brought the Taliban to the house to shoot
Hassan. But I had driven Hassan and Ali out of the house.
..things might have turned out differently if I hadn’t?
(Hosseini, 2003:198)
Another proof showing Amir’s general description as an anxious person
is, Amir’s shock when realizing that the Taliban stood in front of him is Assef.
The sentence “The question hit me like a hammer between the eyes,” describes
Amir’s fear and shock. Amir’s shock shows Amir as a person who lack of courage
when facing an unpleasant situation by describing his face become pale in the
sentence “I felt the color drain from my face,”. Amir seems can not stand for
himself. It can be seen in the sentence “My legs went cold. Numb”.
The explanation above is based on the data number 41 below:
The question hit me like a hammer between the eyes. I felt
the color drain from my face. My legs went cold. Numb
(Hosseini, 2003:245)
Amir’s general description as an anxious person seen when he knew that
the Taliban leader stood in front of him was Assef, makes him nervous, afraid and
worry. Amir’s worry and fear are described by the sentences “I tried to take a
breath and couldn’t. My face was burning.”
Trying to take a breath but Amir could not do, shows Amir’s worry.
Later, the worry Amir gets, makes Amir feels as if his face is burning out. So
that, a feeling of a burned face Amir get, can be seen as a big uncomfortable
feeling that appears within Amir himself which Amir tries to handle.
In addition Amir’s monologue such “I tried to take a breath and couldn’t”
can be seen as Amir’s physical effect of his anxiety in form of difficulty
breathing. Difficulty breathing always finds in a person who experienced heart
palpitation which is brought on by anxiety.
The explanation above is based on the data number 42 below:
I tried to take a breath and couldn’t. ...My face was
burning. ...”Assef”
(Hosseini, 2003:246)
The last proof showing Amir’s general description as an anxious person
can be seen in a moment when he found Sohrab did suicide trial. Amir was really
shocked, he fell on his own knees and screaming. Amir’s act such falling down on
his knees and screaming, shows that Amir worry and uncomfortable feeling
toward what he sees on that time.
The explanation above is based on the data number 49 below:
Sohrab!...
I knocked on the bathroom door. I pushed the door open.
... Suddenly I was on my knees, screaming.
(Hosseini, 2003:299)
4.1.6 Selfish
In The Kite Runner, Amir as main character appears as a selfish person.
Dealing with the definition of selfish in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
(Homby,1995), selfish person is person who thinks first of his own interests,
needs, etc without concern for other.
Amir’s general description as a selfish person can be seen when Amir
prefers to run away and betrays Hassan. In Amir’s way from escaping and being
afraid toward what he saw, Amir tried to calm himself down by saying that
nothing was free in this world. Hassan was the fair price he had to pay , lamb he
had to slay to save his winning kite to win Baba’s respect and recognition. Amir
also talked to himself at the end Hassan was just a Hazara.
According to the explanation above, stating Hassan as the fair price Amir
has to pay to save his winning kite, describing Hassan as a lamb Amir needs to
slay because he was just a Hazara, emphasize Amir’s general description as a
selfish person who just concern toward his own interest and need. Amir does not
account Hassan as his closest friend who always does everything to him. Amir did
everything to save his kite as the key to get Baba’s recognition and respect.
The explanation above is based on the data number 21 below:
Assef was right: Nothing was free in this world. Maybe
Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay,
to win Baba. ... He was just a Hazara, wasn’t he?
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
4.1.7 Careless
As a child, Amir appears as a careless person. Dealing with the definition
of careless in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Homby,1995), careless
person is a kind of person who is not taking care and not giving enough attention
and thought toward his behavior.
Amir’s general description as a careless person can be seen when he tried
to ask Baba whether Baba ever thought about getting a new servant or not. Amir’s
question made Baba angry toward Amir. Baba said that Amir already brought him
shame by asking that kind of question.
In this situation, Amir’s general description as a careless person can be
seen by Amir’s question which is not paying enough attention that his questions
will make his Baba get angry. Amir supposes to know and recognize the history
between Baba and Ali. Baba already accounted Ali as his brother and Baba also
gives a big attention toward Hassan. Those two facts are not used by Amir to
think whether his question about changing the servants will makes Baba angry or
not.
The explanation above is based on the data number 26 below:
“ Baba, have you ever thought about getting new
servants?”...
“I’ve never laid a hand on you, Amir, but you ever say
that again...” ... “ You bring me shame.”
(Hosseini, 2003:77)
4.1.8 Sly
In The Kite Runner, Amir is described as a sly person. The definition of
sly in Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Homby,1995), is a person who
deceives another person and tries to make someone believes something that is not
true.
The general description of Amir as a sly person appears when he tries to
send out Hassan from his home and his life dealing with his guilt after betraying
Hassan due to his willing to get Baba’s respect and recognition.
Amir’s effort to send Hassan out from his home reveals by putting some
cash and his watch under Hassan’s mattress when Hassan and Ali was going out
to the bazaar. After putting the money and watch, Hassan went to see Baba and
said that he lost his moneys and watch. This kind of trick, Amir did to make the
situation as if Hassan stole his money and watch.
Dealing with the explanation of the context above, putting some cash or
money and watch under Hassan mattress and later seeing Baba to say that he just
lost his money and watch can be seen as Amir’s effort to deceive Hassan and try
to make Baba sees Hassan as the thief of Amir’s losing money and watch.
The explanation above is based on the data number 27 below:
Then I took a couple of the envelopes of cash from the
pile of gifts and my watch,... I went to downstairs, crossed
the yard, and entered Ali and Hassan’s living... I lifted
Hassan’s mattress and planted my new watch and a
handful of Afghani bills under it.
(Hosseini, 2003:90-91)
4.1.9 Patient
Amir’s general description as the main character of The Kite Runner is
patient. Based on the definition of patient in Oxford Advanced Learner’s
Dictionary (Homby,1995), patient person is a person who has ability to accept
delay, rejection, suffering without complaining.
Amir’s general description as a patient person appears when Sohrab did
not answer all of Amir’s question and Amir keep maintaining the conversation
although he always met by silence. Amir’s patient can be seen by the sentence
“Again I was met by silence.”
The sentence “Again I was met by silence” represents Amir’s ability to
accept rejection without complaining when Amir is ignored by Sohrab for many
times in the conversation he made. So that, Amir can clasified as a patient person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 50 below:
“How are you?” I said. He didn’t answer. ... Again I was
met by silence.
(Hosseini, 2003:307)
From the explanation above, it can be concluded that Amir as the main
character of The Kite Runner belongs to round and static character. Amir as a
round character can be seen by his some effort he does to reach his goal and solve
his problem such winning the kite tournament, betraying Hassan to save the kite
to get Baba’s recognition and respect, making a trick to send Hassan out from his
home dealing with guilt he get after betraying Hassan, going to Kabul to take out
Sohrab, Hassan’s son, from Kabul to redeem his betrayal toward Hassan as his
half illegitimate brother, and chasing the kite for Sohrab to prove his willing to get
back Sohrab’s trust.
Meanwhile, Amir’s caharacteristic as a static character can be seen by his
unchanged personality, although he has some traits or general description revealed
in the story. In the beginning of The Kite Runner, Amir appears as a caring person
toward Hassan, and in the end he still appears as caring person but toward Sohrab
as Hassan’s son.
In addition, dealing with the number of Amir’s general description
appearance as the main character of The Kite Runner above, it can be concluded
that Amir’s most dominant general description is anxious and later followed by
coward. Since, Amir’s general description as an anxious person appears eight
times, and coward appears five times.
4.2 Amir’s Conflict
. Most of main character within a story experiences some big conflicts. Amir,
as the main character of The Kite Runner experienced big conflicts which gives
impact for his psychology. This sub chapter is a part of Amir’s internal and
external conflict analyzing.
4.2.1
Amir’s Internal Conflict
Amir’s internal conflict appears as his fear arouse within himself when
he was seeing Assef and his gang trapped Hassan and blocked Hassan’s way out
from alley. Amir’s fear that arises within himself can be seen from his body’s
responds such clenching up, and feeling a cold rippled up the spine. In addition,
those Amir body’s responds show his general description as an anxious person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 16 below:
Blocking
Hassan
way
alley...Wali..Kamal..Assef...
out
of
the
I felt my body clench up, and something cold rippled up
my spine.
(Hosseini, 2003:62)
Being afraid to watch what was happening to Hassan, and later turned
away from the alley, is a proof of Amir’s internal conflict which arises within
himself. Moreover, the sentence “I was weeping”, means crying, is illustrated
Amir’s big emotional he can not bear by seeing Hassan got raped by Assef.
Besides that, in this internal conflict, Amir’s respond to the unpleasant condition
he sees such stop watching and turning away from the alley, emphasizes Amir’s
general description as a coward person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 19 below:
I stopped watching, turned away from the alley. ... I was
weeping.
(Hosseini, 2003:67)
According to Amir’s betrayal to Hassan by letting him got raped by
Assef to save Amir’s winning kite, makes Amir experiences an internal conflict.
Later, this internal conflict makes Amir become an insomniac. There was one
night when he slept together with his family, he tried to confess that he watched
Hassan was got raped by Assef. A part of Amir wanted someone would hear his
confession so he would not have to keep the secret that made him anxious, yet
everyone already fell asleep.
Dealing with the explanation above, a part of Amir that hopes someone
will hear his confession, indicates that another part of Amir does not want anyone
know that he hide a rude secret too. Another part of Amir may be afraid being
punished by his family, moreover Baba, for letting Hassan got sexual harassment
without trying to help him. This clash of willing that arises within Amir’s mind,
can be seen as Amir’s internal conflict which later leads him become an
insomniac.
The explanation above is based on the data number 23 below:
“ I watched Hassan get raped,” I said to no one. ... A part
of me was hoping someone would wake up and hear, so I
wouldn’t have to live with this lie anymore...
That was the night I became an insomniac.
(Hosseini, 2003:75)
Amir’s internal conflict appears too when Amir uttering Hassan’s name
after hearing from Rahim Khan that he was living with Hassan when Rahim Khan
was in Kabul. By uttering Hassan’s name, Amir felt his old guilty feeling came
into him. This situation shows Amir’s unstable emotion arising within himself.
The sentence “Suddenly the air in Rahim Khan’s little flat was too thick,
too hot,...” emphasizes Amir’s internal conflict that makes him can not breath
freely such a normal man does.
The explanation above is based on the data number 31 below:
“Hassan,” I said. ... Those thorny old barbs of guilt bore
into me once more, ... Suddenly the air in Rahim Khan’s
little flat was too thick, too hot,...
(Hosseini, 2003:176)
Amir’s internal conflict can also be seen when Amir was shocked after
Rahim Khan told Amir that Hassan was his half illegitimate brother. The sentence
“I felt like a man sliding down a steep cliff” describes Amir’s emotion as a man
who just got a sudden shock which makes him down. Moreover, the sentence
“The room was swooping up and down, swaying side to side” represent Amir’s
unstable emotional for getting unexpected news that makes him confused or
difficult to understand and accept the condition.
The explanation above is based on the data number 33 below:
I felt like a man sliding down a steep cliff, ... The room
was swooping up and down, swaying side to side.
(Hosseini, 2003:195)
Knowing Hassan already died in Taliban’s hand makes Amir guilty.
Amir realized that he had not brought the Taliban to the house and asked them to
kill Hassan, but he also thought Hassan’s life might be different if he would not
have sent Hassan out from his home, dealing with his betrayal, when they were
children. It can be concluded, Amir’s internal conflict arise within himself caused
by a clash of his own idea to see whether he can be said as Hassan’s murderer or
not.
The explanation above is based on the data number 37 below:
... I hadn’t brought the Taliban to the house to shoot
Hassan. But I had driven Hassan and Ali out of the house.
..things might have turned out differently if I hadn’t?
(Hosseini, 2003:198)
The last Amir’s internal conflict which can be seen from the story,
appears when he found Sohrab committed suicide in the bathroom hotel after
hearing Amir’s opinion to break his promise, by sending Sohrab to an orphanage,
due to the difficulty process of the adoption.
Falling on the knees, and then screaming are Amir’s behavior as human
which indicates unbearable pressure arising within himself. So that, it can be
concluded that Amir experienced internal conflict when he saw and found Sohrab
committed suicide, and later showing his internal conflict by falling on his knees
and screaming.
The explanation above is based on the data number 49 below:
Sohrab!...
I knocked on the bathroom door. ...
I pushed the door open. ... Suddenly I was on my knees,
screaming.
(Hosseini, 2003:299)
4.2.2
Amir’s External Conflict
Amir’s external conflict happens as result of the clash of idea and
physical between him and person around him Hassan, Baba, Rahim Khan, Assef,
Raymond Andrews, Omar Faisal and Sohrab are people whom Amir experiences
external conflict with.
4.2.2.1 Amir against Hassan
The external conflict happened toward Amir against Hassan appears
when Amir yelled to Hassan, asked him to go away, when Hassan asked Amir the
reason they never played together anymore.
The clash of emotion Amir showed to Hassan is caused by his guilt
dealing with the betrayal Amir did to Hassan. Amir always feels guilty and
ashamed when Hassan around Amir. Amir can not bear his guilt, so that he yelled
to Hassan, and asked Hassan to go away from Amir.
The explanation above is based on the data number 25 below:
... “ I don’t know why we don’t play anymore.”...
I buried my head in my lap,...
“...I want you go away,” I snapped.
(Hosseini, 2003:77)
4.2.2.2 Amir against Baba
Amir’s conflict against his Baba happened when Amir asked whether
Baba wanted to change Hassan and his father with new servants or not, and that
question made his Baba got angry toward Amir.
The anger Amir made toward Baba indicates the clash of idea between
them. Amir asks that question since he feels uncomfortable when Hassan around
him after a betrayal he did to Hassan. Unfortunately, Baba who always cares
about Hassan and Ali, sees Amir’s question as a shameful question. In addition
this external conflict between Amir and Baba emphasizes Amir’s general
description as a careless person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 26 below:
“ Baba, have you ever thought about getting new
servants?”...
“I’ve never laid a hand on you, Amir, but you ever say
that again...” ... “ You bring me shame.”
(Hosseini, 2003:77)
4.2.2.3 Amir against Rahim Khan
A conflict appears between Amir and Rahim Khan happened when
Rahim Khan asked Amir to go to Kabul to take Sohrab, Hassan’s son, out from
there. But, Amir rejected Rakhim Khan request by saying that he did not want to
go and added if the problem was about money, Amir would help Rahim Khan by
giving some money to pick Sohrab. Amir’s unpleasant answer made Rahim Khan
got angry and said that money was not the reason. Both of them already knew the
real reason why it should be Amir who had to take Sohrab from Kabul is caused
by Amir’s betrayal toward Hassan that he need to redeem.
Dealing with the explanation above, rejecting Rahim Khan request and
dishonoring Rahim Khan with money as his answer toward Rahim Khan’s request
can be seen as the clash of idea between Amir and Rahim Khan.
The explanation above is based on the data number 32 below:
“Rahim Khan, I don’t want to go to Kabul. I can’t!”...
“Why me? Why can’t you pay someone here to go? I’ll
pay for it if it’s a matter of money.”
“It isn’t about money, Amir! ... I think we both know why
it has to be you, don’t we?”
(Hosseini, 2003:193-194)
Another external conflict happened between Amir and Rahim Khan
appears when Amir got angry toward Rahim Khan after knowing that Hassan was
Amir’s half illegitimate brother.
Amir anger toward Rahim Khan can be seen by how Amir calls Rahim
Khan as a bastard. Amir was also angry because both Rahim khan and Baba
already lied to him for thirty-eight years. The anger Amir showed freely toward
Rahim khan, indicates the clash of emotional experienced by Amir.
The explanation above is based on the data number 34 below:
“You bastard,” I muttered. Stood up. “You goddamn
bastard!” I screamed. “All of you, you bunch of lying
goddamn bastard!” ... “... I’m thirty-eight years old and
I’ve just found out whole my life is one big fucking lie!
...”
(Hosseini, 2003:195)
4.2.2.4 Amir against Assef
The conflict Amir had against Assef happened when Amir tried to take
Sohrab from Taliban house. As a leader of the Taliban, and a friend of Amir who
had unfinished problem with Amir, Assef let Amir to take Sohrab out from his
home if Amir could defeat Assef in a fight he made. Amir was not good fighter,
so that Assef harassed Amir for many times.
Therefore, the phrases such “getting thrown, getting hurled and getting
kicked” shows the external and physical harassment Amir get from Assef as the
external elements which support the external conflict Amir experiencing.
The explanation above is based on the data number 43 below:
“You have to earn him.” ...
Getting thrown against the wall,... Getting hurled against
the wall. ... The side of my face slamming against the
corner of the television stand. ... Getting kicked.
(Hosseini, 2003:250-252)
4.2.2.5 Amir against Raymond Andrew
The external conflict between Amir and Raymond Andrew as an
embassy employee happened when Amir came to American Embassy in Pakistan
for consulting his willing and giving petition to adopt Sohrab as his son, but
Raymond suggested Amir to give up.
Reymond’s act such suggesting Amir to give up with his adoption
petition, and the sentence “I got up”, which comes from Amir, emphasizes his
disagreement, can be seen as the difference or clash of idea between Raymond
and Amir.
The explanation above is based on the data number 46 below:
“Your petition to adopt this young fellow. Give it up. ...”
“What are you saying, that I should throw him back on the
street?” ... I got up.
(Hosseini, 2003:288)
4.2.2.6 Amir against Omar Faisal
The external conflict experienced by Amir against Omar Faisal happened
dealing with the adoption petition Amir tried to make to adopt Sohrab. In this part,
Omar Faisal as an immigration lawyer suggested Amir to relinquish Sohrab to an
orphanage as the time Amir needed to adopt Sohrab is too long. Unfortunately as
a person who already promised to Sohrab for not sending him to any orphanage
anymore made Amir rejected Omar Faisal suggestion.
Dealing with the explanation before, Amir’s rejection toward Omar
Faisal suggestion represents the clash of idea between them. Moreover, Amir’s
sentence such “I don’t want to do that” emphasizes Amir’s disagreement,
difference and a clash of idea between him and Omar Faisal.
The explanation above is based on the data number 47 below:
“You could relinquish him to an orphanage here, then file
an orphan petition. ...”
“I don’t want to do that,” ... “I promised him I wouldn’t
send him back to an orphanage.”
(Hosseini, 2003:295-296)
4.2.2.7 Amir against Sohrab
The last external conflict experienced by Amir was his conflict against
Sohrab. This external conflict happened when Amir delivered Omar Faisal
suggestion to send Sohrab to an orphanage and got a rejecting from Sohrab.
Delivering Omar Faisal suggestion to Sohrab and got a bad response
from Sohrab as his reaction to ignore Amir’s planning to send Sohrab to an
orphanage is a symbol of a clash of idea between Amir and Sohrab. The sentences
which emphasize a clash of idea between Amir and Sohrab are “if we could ask
you to stay in a home for kids for a while” and “Please! Please, no!”
The explanation above is based on the data number 48 below:
“Well,Mr.Faisal thinks that it would really help if we
could...if we could ask you to stay in a home for kids for a
while.”
“You promised you’d never put me in one of those places,
Amir agha,” ... “Please! Please, no!”
(Hosseini, 2003:297)
Dealing with the explanation above, it can be concluded that Amir, as the
main character of the story, experienced both internal and external conflict. In
addition, some of Amir’s internal conflict dealing with betrayal he did toward
Hassan emphasizes Amir’s general description as a coward and anxious person.
Furthemore, the reason of Amir’s external conflict can be devided into
two. Amir’s external conflict against Hassan, Baba and Rahim Khan is caused by
his guilt for his betrayal toward Hassan. While, Amir’s external conflict against
Assef, Raymond Andrew, Omar Faisal and Sohrab is caused by his effort to
redeem his betrayal toward Hassan by taking Sohrab from Kabul and wanting
adopt him and bringing him to America.
4.3
Setting of The Kite Runner
This chapter analyzing about setting in The Kite Runner story. Three
types of setting appearing to support every significant event are setting of time,
setting of social and setting of places.
4.3.1
Setting of Time
1975 - December 2001, winter, March 1981, June 2001, and August 2001
are the setting of time that appears in The Kite Runner story which shows the time
a significant events happened.
4.3.1.1 1975 -December 2001
December 2001 is the time when Amir saw a pair of kites. He told that
the kite reminded him with his life when he was twelve years old boy in Kabul,
lived with Baba, Hassan and Ali. The Kite also reminded Amir about betrayal he
did toward Hassan in winter 1975.
Dealing with the previous explanation, The Kite Runner tells about
Amir’s life from 1975 to 2001. 1975 is a year when Amir betrayed Hassan after
the kite-fighting tournament. So that, by seeing the kite, Amir remembers Kabul
as his origin country, Hassan as a person he betrayed, Ali and Baba as persons
whom he separated dealing with a trick Amir made to send Hassan and Ali out
from his home because of his anxiety toward his betrayal to Hassan.
The explanation above is based on the data number 1 below:
December 2001
I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on frigid
overcast day in the winter of 1975.... I glanced up and saw
a pair of kite...San Francisco, the city I now call home.
I thought about Hassan. Thought about Baba. Ali. Kabul.
(Hosseini, 2003:1-2)
4.3.1.2 Winter
In every winter, a kite-fighting tournament is held in Kabul. In The Kite
Runner , winter is an important setting of time when Amir got motive to follow
and win the kite-fighting tournament. In winter too, dealing with the kite-fighting
tournament, Amir experienced a lot of conflicts which later made Amir betrayed
Hassan.
The explanation above is based on the data number 9,10,19,20 below:
Every winter, district in Kabul held a kite-fighting
tournament. ...
(Hosseini, 2003:43)
I was going to win, and I was going to run the last kite.
Then I’d bring it to home and show it to Baba. Show him
once and for all that his son was worthy.
(Hosseini, 2003:49)
Blocking
Hassan
way
alley...Wali..Kamal..Assef...
out
of
the
I felt my body clench up, and something cold rippled up
my spine.
(Hosseini, 2003:67)
In the end, I ran.
I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of Assef and
what he would do to me. I was afraid of getting hurt.
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
4.3.1.3 March 1981
March 1981 is a setting of time when Amir and his Baba moved to
America because of Kabul’s unsafe political and economic condition. By this
time, Amir moved America as a country which had different social condition from
Kabul.
The explanation above is based on the data number 28 below:
March 1981...My innards had been roiling since we’d left
Kabul just after two in the morning.
(Hosseini, 2003:96)
4.3.1.4 June 2001
June 2001 is the time when Amir finally went to Pakistan to meet Rahim
Khan. In this year, Amir also knew that Hassan was his illegitimate half brother
and finally decided to redeem his betrayal he did toward Hassan by taking out
Sohrab, Hassan’s son from Kabul.
This explanation is based on the data number 30,34,38,39 below:
June 2001...
A week later, I sat on a window seat board a Pakistani
International Airlines flight,...
(Hosseini, 2003:166-169)
“You bastard,” I muttered. Stood up. “You goddamn
bastard!” I screamed. “All of you, you bunch of lying
goddamn bastard!” ... “... I’m thirty-eight years old and
I’ve just found out whole my life is one big fucking lie!
...”
(Hosseini, 2003:195)
...my entire life, ... had been a cycle of lies, betrayals, and
secrets. ... There is a way to be good again, ... with a little
boy. An orphan. Hassan’s son. Somewhere in Kabul
(Hosseini, 2003:198)
I looked at the round face in the Polaroid again,... My
brother face. ... I found Rahim Khan,...then I told him I
was going to Kabul...
(Hosseini, 2003:199)
4.3.1.5 August 2001
August 2001 is the time when Amir arrived in San Francisco after
spending a big and rude situation in Kabul and Pakistan. In 2001 also, Amir began
to get back Sohrab trust again after he broke his promise that made Sohrab
committed suicide and lost his trust toward Amir.
The explanation above is based on the data number 51 and 53 below:
We arrived home about seven month ago, on a warm day
in August 2001.
(Hosseini, 2003:312)
“Do you want me to run that kite for you?” ... I thought I
saw him nod.
“For you, a thousand times over,”
(Hosseini, 2003:323)
4.3.2
Setting of Social
The difference social class between Amir and Hassan, the history of
Pashtuns and Hazaras that makes a great social barrier between them exist
extremely in Kabul, A kite-fighting tournament that already became Kabul’s
custom, the issues of Hazaras dignity are the setting of social that appears clearly
in The Kite Runner. Those setting of social give Amir big influence in his
characteristic as the main character and conflict he experienced about.
4.3.2.1 Amir and Hassan social class
Amir and Hassan is described as a friend come from different social class
in their society. Amir is Pashtun and Hassan is Hazara.
The difference of Amir and Hassan’s social class is described from the
place their live in. Amir lives in a mansion with rosebushes but Hassan in a mud
shack. The differences between mansion with rosebushes and mud shack can be
seen as the difference of the social class and the dignity of Amir and Hassan as
Pashtun and Hazara in their society.
The mansion with rosebushes commonly means a luxury. A person who
lives in luxuriantly condition must belong to a high class social in his society.
Unfortunately, mud shack, a place Hassan lives in, commonly means a dirt and
poverty. A person who lives in poverty belongs to the low class in his society.
Dealing with the dignity which is described by the different place Amir
and Hassan live in, Amir’s luxuriance is symbol of Pashtun’s high dignity and
Hassan’s poverty is symbol of Hazara’s low dignity. Therefore, in Kabul,
Pashtuns believe that their people are more dignified than Hazaras.
The explanation above is based on the data number 3 below:
.. Hassan and I parted ways. I went past the rosebushes to
Baba’s mansion, Hassan to mud shack... .
(Hosseini, 2003:5)
4.3.2.2 History of Pashtun and Hazaras
The Kite Runner uses the difference of the social class between Pashtuns
and Hazaras which exist extremely since long time ago as the important setting
social of the story which later influence Amir’s general description as the main
character. The book Amir read, described how Pashtuns treat Hazaras as a
different social group in Kabul.
Hazaras is a group of ethnic people live in Kabul who have a different
physical appearance than Pashtuns do. Pashtuns called Hazaras as a flat-nosed
because the physical characteristic of Hazaras, who have mongoloid features, with
a pointed nose.
Moreover, Pashtuns are described as a group of people who had
persecuted and oppressed the Hazaras for long time ago. They killed and driven
Hazaras from their land. The basic reason of Hazaras’ oppression, beside the
difference of their ethnic , is the difference of their group as a Muslim. Pashtuns
are a Sunni Muslim and Hazaras are Shi’a.
The dignity of the Hazaras toward Pashtun also described by the nick
name Pashtuns give to Hazaras. Pashtuns always call Hazaras as “a mice-eating,
flat-nosed and load carrying donkeys”. The nick name “mice-eating and load
carrying donkeys” Pashtuns give to Hazaras describe how Pashtuns see Hazaras
as a people who lack of dignity, since a real and honorable man will not eat mice
and will not load a lot of things more than his capacity such a load carrying
donkeys. In addition the word of “donkey” that represent a dullness is used by
Pashtuns to intimidate Hazaras as a stupid people.
The explanation above is based on the data number 5 below:
They called him “flat-nosed” because of Ali and Hassan’s
characteristic Hazara Mongoloid features. ... In it, I read
that my people, the Pashtuns had persecuted and
oppressed the Hazaras. ... The book said that my people
had killed the Hazaras, driven them from their lands,
burned their homes, and sold their women. The book said
part of the reason Pashtuns had oppressed the Hazaras was
that Pashtuns were Sunni Muslim, while Hazaras were
Shi’a. ... It also said some things I did know, like the
people called Hazaras mice-eating, flat-nosed, load
carrying donkeys.
(Hosseini, 2003:8)
4.3.2.3 Kite-Fighting Tournament as a Kabul’s custom
Kite-fighting tournament is a tournament which is held annually, every
winter in Kabul. The activity which always be held in a particular time and
continually is known as a custom. Dealing with the explanation above, kitefighting can be said as one of Kabul’s custom which especially followed by boy in
Kabul and its district.
Kite-fighting tournament is one of Kabul boy’s important tournament in
Kabul and its district. The importance of the kite-fighting tournament can be seen
by the sentence “the tournament was undeniably ... Kabul, fighting kites was a
little like going to war.”
So that, the importance of the kite-fighting tournament is used by Amir
to show to Baba that he is worthy as a son and boy. By winning this kite-fighting
tournament, Amir wants to get Baba’s respect and recognition.
The explanation above is based on the data number 9 below:
Every winter, district in Kabul held a kite-fighting
tournament. ...the day of the tournament was undeniably ...
Kabul, fighting kites was a little like going to war.
(Hosseini, 2003:43)
4.3.2.4 Hazaras dignity
The part of the story when Amir sacrifices Hassan got raped by Assef
emphasize the Hazaras dignity toward Pashtuns. The reason Amir revealed to
calm himself down after betraying Hassan, in a sentences “Maybe Hassan was the
price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay, to win Baba. ... He was just a Hazara,
wasn’t he?” emphasizes the value of Hazaras toward Pashtuns.
The word “lamb” and “just a Hazara” Amir said to himself when he
sacrificed Hassan, shows how invaluable Hazaras toward Pashtuns. In Kabul,
Pashtuns believe that Hazaras do not have same human right as Pashtuns have. So
that, Pashtuns think that they can do immoral thing to Hazaras.
The explanation above is based on the data number 21 below:
Assef was right: Nothing was free in this world. Maybe
Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay,
to win Baba. ... He was just a Hazara, wasn’t he?
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
4.3.3
Setting of Place
Setting of place is described as place where significant event happened,
the conflict experienced by the main character appears and noticed the
characteristic of the main character. Kabul, San Francisco, Wazir Akhbar Khan,
alley, Hassan’s home, Pakistan, Sarak-e-Mehmana, America Embassy, Bathroom
Hotel, Lake Elizabeth, Fremont are some setting of place where the significant
event happened.
4.3.3.1 Kabul and San Francisco.
Kabul, Afghanistan and San Francisco, America are two different
countries where Amir live and spent his life. Kabul, Afghanistan is a place where
Amir spent his childhood with a bold social barrier within which gives impact to
Amir’s psychological and personality. In Kabul too, Amir experienced some big
and bad conflict that shows him as a round character. Those conflict that was
experienced by Amir later lead him get psychological conflict within himself.
While, San Francisco, America is a democratic country where Amir spent his
adulthood.
The explanation above is based on the data number 1 below:
I glanced up and saw a pair of kite...San Francisco, the
city I now call home.
... I thought about Hassan. Thought about Baba. Ali.
Kabul
(Hosseini, 2003:1-2)
4.3.3.2 Wazir Akhbar Khan
Wazir Akhbar Khan is a Kabul’s district where Amir spent his childhood
in his Baba luxuriance. In Wazir Akhbar Khan, Amir’s family known as a rich
family who owns the most beautiful house. In Wazir Akhbar Khan, Amir lived
with Ali and Hassan, Hazaras father and son, as Amir’s servant.
The explanation above is based on the data number 2 below:
Everyone agreed that my father, my Baba, had built the
most beautiful house in the Wazir Akhbar Khan
district,...
(Hosseini, 2003:4)
4.3.3.3 Kabul
Kabul is a city where Wazir Akhbar Khan, a district Amir lives in,
belongs. In Kabul, kite-fighting tournament is always held in every winter. So
that, Kabul is a place where Amir wins the kite-fighting tournament. Beside that
Kabul is a city where Amir spent his childhood.
The explanation above is based on the data number 9 below:
Every winter, district in Kabul held a kite-fighting
tournament. ... ... the day of the tournament was
undeniably ... Kabul, fighting kites was a little like going
to war.
(Hosseini, 2003:43)
4.3.3.4 Alley
Alley is a place where Amir betrayed Hassan by letting him got raped by
Assef. The reasons Amir let Hassan got raped by Assef are Amir is too coward,
Amir is afraid to get punishment from Assef, and Amir thinks that as a Hazara,
Hassan is a fair price to save his kite to get Baba’s respect or recognition.
The explanation above is based on the data number 15,20,21 below:
... I saw him running toward the bazaar awhile ago. ...
Hassan was standing at the blind end of the alley...
(Hosseini, 2003:60-62)
In the end, I ran.
I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of Assef and
what he would do to me. I was afraid of getting hurt.
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
Assef was right: Nothing was free in this world. Maybe
Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay,
to win Baba. ... He was just a Hazara, wasn’t he?
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
4.3.3.5 Hassan’s home
Hassan’s home is a setting of place where Amir’s general description as a
sly person appears. In Hassan’s home, Amir put some money and his wristwatch
under Hassan’s mattress to send Hassan out from Amir’s house and life dealing
with his guilt and anxiety he experienced after betraying Hassan for his own
purpose.
The explanation above is based on the data number 27 below:
Then I took a couple of the envelopes of cash from the
pile of gifts and my watch,... I went to downstairs, crossed
the yard, and entered Ali and Hassan’s living... I lifted
Hassan’s mattress and planted my new watch and a
handful of Afghani bills under it.
(Hosseini, 2003:90-91)
4.3.3.6 Pakistan
Pakistan is a city Amir meets Rahim Khan and later knows Hassan’s
identity as Amir’s illegitimate half brother. In Pakistan too Amir’s external
conflict against Rahim Khan, dealing with his anger and shock knowing Hassan is
his illegitimate half brother, appears, although later Amir decides to redeem his
betrayal by accepting Rahim Khan’s request to take Sohrab, Hassan’s son, out
from Kabul then give him a better life.
The explanation above is based on the data number 30,34,38,39 below:
June 2001...
A week later, I sat on a window seat board a Pakistani
International Airlaines flight,...
(Hosseini, 2003:166-169)
“You bastard,” I muttered. Stood up. “You goddamn
bastard!” I screamed. “All of you, you bunch of lying
goddamn bastard!” ... “... I’m thirty-eight years old and
I’ve just found out whole my life is one big fucking lie!
...”
(Hosseini, 2003:195)
...my entire life, ... had been a cycle of lies, betrayals, and
secrets. ... There is a way to be good again, ... with a little
boy. An orphan. Hassan’s son. Somewhere in Kabul
(Hosseini, 2003:198)
I looked at the round face in the Polaroid again,... My
brother face. ... I found Rahim Khan,...then I told him I
was going to Kabul...
(Hosseini, 2003:199)
4.3.3.7 Sarak-e-Mehmana
Sarak-e-Mehmana is an address where the Taliban house take a place. In this
place Amir has external conflict with Assef as a leader of the Taliban, dealing
with Amir’s effort to take Sohrab out from Kabul.
The explanation above is based on the data number 40 and 43 below:
...on Street 15, Sarak-e-Mehmana, Street of the Guest.
(Hosseini, 2003:239)
“You have to earn him.” ...
Getting thrown against the wall,... Getting hurled against
the wall. ... The side of my face slamming against the
corner of the television stand. ... Getting kicked.
(Hosseini, 2003:250-252)
4.3.3.8 America Embassy
America embassy is a setting of place where Amir experiences external
conflict against Raymond Andrew as an embassy employee. The conflict appears
when Raymond suggests Amir to give up toward Amir’s petition to adopt Sohrab,
but Amir does not want to give up. So that Amir decides to go out from the
embassy.
The explanation above is based on the data number 45 and 46 below:
The lawn outside the America embassy in Islamabad was
neatly mowed,...
(Hosseini, 2003:284)
“Your petition to adopt this young fellow. Give it up. ...”
“What are you saying, that I should throw him back on the
street?” ... I got up.
(Hosseini, 2003:288)
4.3.3.9 Bathroom Hotel
Bathroom hotel is a setting of place where Amir experiences internal
conflict by finding Sohrab did suicide trial. The reason of the Sohrab’s suicide is
Amir’s breaking promise to send Sohrab to an orphanage.
The explanation above is based on the data number 49 below:
Sohrab!...
I knocked on the bathroom door. ... I pushed the door
open. ... Suddenly I was on my knees, screaming.
(Hosseini, 2003:299)
4.3.3.10 Lake Elizabeth, Fremont
Lake Elizabeth in Fremont is a place where Amir tries to get back Sohrab
trust after he breaking his promise which makes Sohrab committed suicide. Amir
effort to get back Sohrab trust is by chasing the kite.
The explanation above is based on the data number 52 and 53 below:
I took Soraya, Khala Jamila, and Sohrab to a gathering of
Afghans at Lake Elizabeth Park in Fremont.
(Hosseini, 2003:317)
“Do you want me to run that kite for you?” ... I thought I
saw him nod.
“For you, a thousand times over,”
(Hosseini, 2003:323)
Dealing with the explanation above, it can be concluded that as the main
character of The Kite Runner, Amir belongs to high class social people. The proof
that shows Amir’s social class as a high class person can be seen from his
rosebushes mansion where he lives in.
In addition, from the analysis above it can be concluded too that the most
dominant setting which influence the story, the general description and personality
of Amir, Amir’s characteristic as a round character and the conflict experienced
by Amir is the setting of social. Since The Kite Runner emphasizes and tells the
history and social barrier between Pashtuns and Hazaras as two group of people in
Kabul. Moreover, The Kite Runner uses Amir to represents Pashtuns people who
will do anything to get his goal, includes sacrificing a Hazara.
Meanwhile, the setting of places and times are used to show the detail
places and times when Amir does a significant behavior or act dealing with his
goal to get Baba’s respect and attention, his effort to overcome his anxiety dealing
with a betrayal Amir did to Hassan, and his motive to redeem his betrayal toward
Hassan as his illegitimate half brother.
4.4 Plot of The Kite Runner
Plot is one of intrinsic element which can help reader to understand what
story is about, how the story begins, gets its climax and arrives at the resolution.
Plot of The Kite runner is divided into five levels namely exposition, inciting
force, rising action, climax and resolution. The complete plot of The Kite Runner
can be seen in this following explanation.
Climax
Amir went to Kabul, took Sohrab from Assef as a Taliban leader who caught
Sohrab, then asking Sohrab to live with Amir in America. Unfortunately, Amir
found Sohrab did suicide trial after Amir broke his promise to not sending him
back to an orphanage, dealing with the difficulty Amir got when he tries to
propose adoption petition. So that, later, Amir lost Sohrab trust.
Rising Action
Resolution
Amir accepted Rahim Khan requested
Amir and Sohrab arrived in
America. Later, Amir
to take Sohrab out, Hassan’s son,
tried to get back Sohrab
trust
from Kabul after Amir got angry to
by chasing the kite they
won.
Rahim Khan for knowing that
Hassan was Amir’s illegitimate half brother.
Inciting Force
Amir sent Hassan out from his home dealing
with anxiety he got after letting Hassan got
Raped by Assef to save his winning kite from
the kite-fighting tournament.
Exposition
Amir followed and won the kite-fighting
tournament to show his Baba that he was worthy
and to get Baba’s respect and recognition.
Exposition
Exposition of the plot is a part that shows the initial situation to go on
with the story. The exposition of The Kite Runner shows Amir as the main
character who wants to follow the kite-fighting tournament. Amir knows that he is
good in flying kite. So that, he believes that he can win the kite-fighting
tournament. The reason of Amir’s effort to show his Baba that Amir is a worthy
boy, is to break Baba’s perception about Amir’s personality as a coward person.
Dealing with Amir’s belief and reason to follow and win the kite
fighting-tournamnent above, it can be said that, in this exposition, Amir’s general
description as an optimistic person appears clearly.
The explanation above is based on the data number 10 below:
I was going to win, and I was going to run the last kite.
Then I’d bring it to home and show it to Baba. Show him
once and for all that his son was worthy.
(Hosseini, 2003:49)
Another Amir’s reason to win the kite-fighting tournament is his willing
to get Baba’s respect and recognition. Amir’s willing to get Baba’s recognition
can be seen by the sentence “Then maybe my life as a ghost in this house would
finally be over.”. The word “ghost” describing Amir’s existence that never be
acknowledged by Baba. While, Amir’s willing to get Baba’s respect can be seen
by the sentence “Maybe he’d call me Amir jan like Rahim Khan did.”. In Kabul,
the suffix –jan is using to show a respect toward the addressee.
The explanation above is based on the data number 11 below:
Then maybe my life as a ghost in this house would finally
be over. ... Maybe he’d call me Amir jan like Rahim Khan
did.
(Hosseini, 2003:49)
Dealing with the importance of the kite-fighting tournament in Kabul,
Amir realizes, winning the kite-fighting tournament is the only way to get Baba’s
recognition. As a son of a bussiness man, Amir’s lack of attention and recognition
described by the sentence, “not seen, not heard.”
The explanation above is based on the data number 13 below:
...this was my one chance to become someone who was
looked at, not seen, listened to, not heard.
(Hosseini, 2003:57)
So that, at the end of the kite-fighting tournament, when Amir released as
the winner of this tournament, Amir screamed happily.
The explanation above is based on the data number 14 below:
“We won! We won!” was all I could say.
(Hosseini, 2003:58)
Inciting Force
In a plot, inciting force is desribed as part of a story where the first
conflict appears and the situation becomes more dynamic. The inciting force of
The Kite Runner happens when Amir let Hassan got raped by Assef because of
Amir’s cowardliness. Amir’s cowardliness is caused by his fear of being punished
and getting hurt by Assef if Amir saved Hassan. The internal conflict experienced
by Amir dealing a sexual harassment he saw was belonged to the dynamic
situation. In addition, in this inciting force, Amir’s general description as a
coward person appears.
The explanation above is based on the data number 20 below:
In the end, I ran.
I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of Assef and
what he would do to me. I was afraid of getting hurt.
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
Amir’s another reason for letting Hassan got raped by Assef besides his
fear toward Assef, is Amir’s belief about Hazara as a fair price to save his
winning kite. Dealing with the explanation, Amir’s general description as an
selfish person who does anything, thinking first of his own interest and need
without concern for other, such sacrificing Hassan, makes the situation more
dynamic.
The explanation above is based on the data number 21 below:
Assef was right: Nothing was free in this world. Maybe
Hassan was the price I had to pay, the lamb I had to slay,
to win Baba. ... He was just a Hazara, wasn’t he?
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
The last moment belonging to the inciting force is moment when Amir
tried to send Hassan out from his home and his life as a thief dealing with Amir’s
unbearable guilt and anxiety he got after betraying Hassan.
The dynamic condition Amir makes dealing with Amir’s effort to send
Hassan out from his home can be seen by how Amir put some moneys and
wristwatch under Hassan’s mattress to make his Baba sure that they need to send
Hassan and Ali out from Baba’s house. By this dynamic condition, Amir showed
his general description as a sly person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 27 below:
Then I took a couple of the envelopes of cash from the
pile of gifts and my watch,... I went to downstairs, crossed
the yard, and entered Ali and Hassan’s living... I lifted
Hassan’s mattress and planted my new watch and a
handful of Afghani bills under it.
(Hosseini, 2003:90-91)
Rising Action
The rising action, in the plot, is a level of the story which shows the
action taken by the main character and by the forces against him. In rising action,
Amir got a call from Rahim Khan in Peshawar. Rahim Khan asked Amir to meet
him in Peshawar for a big reason which is symbolized by the sentence .” There is
a way to be good again.”
The explanation above is based on the data number 29 below:
Come. There is a way to be good again, Rahim Khan had
said on the phone just before hanging up.
(Hosseini, 2003:168)
By seeing Rahim Khan in Pakistan, Amir knew Hassan’s identity as
Amir’s half illegitimate brother. The fact of Hassan’s identity, later made Amir
got angry toward Rahim Khan. Amir was disappointed toward Rahim Khan and
Baba for hiding that secret until Amir already grew up as an adult.
Dealing with the definition of the rising action above, Amir anger can be
seen as the action he takes toward the fact about Hassan’s identity which forces to
be accepted by Amir. In addition, in this rising action, the external conflict Amir
against Rahim Khan appears clearly.
The explanation above is based on the data number 34:
“You bastard,” I muttered. Stood up. “You goddamn
bastard!” I screamed. “All of you, you bunch of lying
goddamn bastard!” ... “... I’m thirty-eight years old and
I’ve just found out whole my life is one big fucking lie!
...”
(Hosseini, 2003:195)
Amir was shocked after realizing that his entire life had been a cycle of
lies, betrayals and secret. Amir understood that the only option to end and
overcome a betrayal in his life was by taking out Sohrab , Hassan’s son, from
Kabul.
Dealing with the explanation before, the option to end Amir’s life of
betrayal, by taking out Sohrab from Kabul, is the external force that comes in to
Amir that he need to accept. In addition, Amir’s shock to realize that his entire
life is a cycle of lies can be seen as Amir’s internal conflict.
The explanation above is based on the data number 38 below:
...my entire life, ... had been a cycle of lies, betrayals, and
secrets. ... There is a way to be good again, ... with a little
boy. An orphan. Hassan’s son. Somewhere in Kabul.
(Hosseini, 2003:198)
So that, when Amir looked at the polaroid pict Rahim Khan gave to
Amir, then saw Hassan’s face as his brother face, Amir decided to accept Rahim
Khan’s request to take Sohrab out from Kabul. Therefore, Amir’s acceptance
toward Rahim Khan request can be seen as the action Amir takes dealing with the
force he has to accept about Hassan’s real identity as his illegitimate half brother.
The explanation above is based on the data number 39 below:
I looked at the round face in the Polaroid again,... My
brother face. ... I found Rahim Khan,...then I told him I
was going to Kabul...
(Hosseini, 2003:199)
Climax
In plot, climax is described as part of event which determines how the
conflict will end good or bad for the protagonist or main character. The first
conflict appears in climax of the story happens when Amir has to defeat Assef as
Taliban leader to take out Sohrab from there with him.
In this part, the external conflict between Amir and Assef happened.
Assef was a good fighter but Amir was not. So that, Amir did not do any defense
to save himself when Assef thrown, hurled and kicked Amir against the wall.
This explanation is based on the data number 43 below:
“You have to earn him.” ...
Getting thrown against the wall,... Getting hurled against
the wall. ... The side of my face slamming against the
corner of the television stand. ... Getting kicked.
(Hosseini, 2003:250-252)
The next part of climax happens when Amir felt his caring toward
Sohrab growing bigger after Sohrab saving Amir from Assef anger and
harassment when the fighting was happening. Dealing with Amir’s caring toward
Sohrab, later, Amir decided asked Sohrab to live with Amir and his wife in
America. In addition, in this climax, Amir’s general description as a caring person
can be seen clearly.
The explanation above is based on the data number 44 below:
What had happened in that room with Assef had
irrevocably bound us. ... “Would you like to come live in
America with me and my wife?”
(Hosseini, 2003:279)
The difficulty of the adoption process Amir got, made Amir told Sohrab
that he might be sent to the orphanage, while Amir would keep proposing the
orphanage and adoption petition. It made Sohrab sad to know Amir would break
his promise.
The explanation above is based on the data number 48 below:
Well, Mr.Faisal thinks that it would really help if we
could...if we could ask you to stay in a home for kids for a
while.”
“You promised you’d never put me in one of those places,
Amir agha,” ... “Please! Please, no!”
(Hosseini, 2003:297)
Knowing that Amir would send Sohrab to the orphanage made Sohrab
decided to do suicide trial. Amir who later found Sohrab did suicide trial felt
shocked and worry. Amir fell on his knees and screaming. Amir’s reaction such
falling on his knees and screaming, shows the internal conflict he experienced.
The explanation above is based on the data number 49 below:
Sohrab!...
I knocked on the bathroom door. ... I pushed the door
open. ... Suddenly I was on my knees, screaming.
(Hosseini, 2003:299)
A promise which was already broken by Amir made Sohrab lost his trust
toward Amir. Sohrab did not want answer any question or conversation made by
Amir. Yet, Amir keep maintaining the conversation he made. In this climax,
Amir’s general description as a patient person appears clearly.
The explanation above is based on the data number 50 below:
“How are you?” I said. He didn’t answer. ... Again I was
met by silence.
(Hosseini, 2003:307)
Dealing with those series of conflicts that appears as the consequence
Amir gets to reach his goal to take out Sohrab from Kabul and give him a better
life, yet later Amir lose Sohrab trust, are seen as the climax of The Kite Runner.
Therefore, the loss of Sohrab’s trust experienced by Amir is the last climax which
derives Amir to determine his last problem whether the resolution of the story will
be end good or bad.
Resolution
Resolution known as part of the story which presents a stable and
outcome condition. In The Kite Runner the fisrt resolution showing Amir and
Sohrab’s arriving in America in August 2001.
Amir and Sohrab finally arrived in America after getting humanitarian
visa for Sohrab without sending him to the orphanage. The moment of Amir and
Sohrab arriving in America described the stable condition or outcome of the
conflict between Amir and the difficulty Amir get to bring Sohrab to America
when he needs to propose the adoption petition.
The explanation above is based on the data number 51 below:
We arrived home about seven month ago, on a warm day
in August 2001.
(Hosseini, 2003:312)
Meanwhile, the second moment showing The Kite Runner’s resolution is
Amir’s effort to get Sohrab’s trust back by chasing the kite. Chasing the kite is the
symbol of Amir’s solemnness to get back Sohrab trust. The solemnness Amir
shows dealing with the broken promise he made can be seen by the sentence “For
you, a thousand times over”. That sentences represents Amir’s willing to do
Sohrab’s request anytime Sohrab wants.
So that, the solemnness Amir shows by chasing the kite and saying the
monologue “For you, a thousand times over” can be seen as the outcome Amir
makes to overcome and get stable condition dealing with losing Sohrab trust he
experienced before. In addition, the solemnness Amir shows to get Sohrab’s trust
to make Sohrab believe that Amir still want to give Sohrab a better life in
America, shows his general description as a caring person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 53 below:
“Do you want me to run that kite for you?” ... I thought I
saw him nod.
“For you, a thousand times over,”
(Hosseini, 2003:323)
Dealing with plot’s explanation above, it can be summed up that the
conflicts experienced by Amir is started by his willing to get Baba’s recognition
and respect by joining and winning the kite-fighting tournament. Later, the
conflict experienced by Amir become dominant after he betrayed Hassan by
letting Hassan got raped by Assef to save Amir’s winning kite. Therefore, most of
Amir’s conflicts, dealing with his guilt for betraying Hassan as his closest person
and his illegitimate brother, appear in inciting force and rising action of the plot.
In addition, the climax of the story shows Amir’s effort to redeem his
betrayal toward Hassan. In this level, Amir’s biggest external conflict, against
Assef, appears clearly. Unfortunately, another external conflict keep forcing
Amir’s effort to redeem his betrayal toward Hassan by the difficulty he gets when
he tries to propose adoption petition for Sohrab. Later, the difficulty Amir gets,
leads him to experience another external conflict against Sohrab and internal
conflict dealing with Sohrab’s suicide trial. Meanwhile, in the resolution, Amir’s
effort to get Sohrab’s trust back by chasing the kite they won, becomes the stable
condition Amir tries to make.
4.5 Amir’s Anxiety
Based on Freud Anxiety’s theory, anxiety is divided into three, namely
realistic, neurotic and moral anxiety. In The Kite Runner, Amir as the main
character of the story experienced those anxieties. In addition those anxieties
reveals too Amir’s characteristic and conflict behind his anxiety.
4.5.1 Realistic Anxiety
Realistic anxiety is described as an anxiety or emotional response which
man produced when he sees a dangerous or unpleasant thing from the external
world. In The Kite Runner, realistic anxiety experienced by Amir happens three
times. First, when Amir saw Hassan was trapped by Assef and his gang, second,
when Amir knew that the Taliban leader stood in front of him and caught Sohrab
was Assef, and third, when Amir saw and found Sohrab committed suicide. These
are the further explanation:
Amir was afraid when he saw Hassan trapped by Assef and his gang.
Amir’s fear can be seen by his body response such being clenching up and feeling
something cold rippled up in his spine. Dealing with the source of Amir’s fear, the
anxiety experienced by Amir belongs to realistic anxiety. Since, Assef and his
gang as the source of Amir’s anxiety are tangible creature from the external
world.
In addition, this realistic anxiety experienced by Amir, also shows
Amir’s general description as an anxious person. Since, the body response Amir
makes such clenching up the body and feeling of something cold rippled up his
spine dealing with his realistic anxiety, shows his worry or uncomfortable feeling
when he was seeing Hassan was trapped by Assef and his gang. Moreover, the
body response Amir makes such clenching up the body and feeling of something
cold rippled up his spine dealing with his realistic anxiety, indicates the internal
conflict arises within himself.
The explanation above is based on the data number 16 below:
Blocking
Hassan
way
alley...Wali..Kamal..Assef...
out
of
the
I felt my body clench up, and something cold rippled up
my spine.
(Hosseini, 2003:62)
Amir was afraid when he realized that a Taliban leader who caught
Sohrab and stood in front of him was Assef. Amir’s fear can be seen by his
monologue saying that he tried to take a breath but he could not, or it can be said
that Amir experienced difficulty breathing. Amir’s difficulty breathing can be
seen as Amir’s physical effect caused by his anxiety that belongs to the effect of
heart palpitation. Moreover, Amir described his big fear too by the feeling of
burning face. Dealing with Assef as the source of Amir’s fear, the anxiety Amir
experienced is belonged to realistic anxiety.
In addition, the realistic anxiety Amir experienced, dealing with Assef
presence as a Taliban leader, describes Amir’s general description as an anxious
person and shows the internal conflict he experienced about.
The explanation above is based on the data number 42 below:
I tried to take a breath and couldn’t. ...My face was
burning
...Assef.
(Hosseini, 2003:246)
The last realistic anxiety appears when Amir saw Sohrab committed
suicide. Amir’s fear and anxiety can be seen by the way he suddenly fell on his
knees and screaming. The source Amir’s realistic anxiety ,when he saw Sohrab
committed suicide, is Sohrab who comes from the external world and tangible.
Furthermore, this realistic anxiety shows Amir’s internal conflict arises
within himself. The internal conflict Amir experienced about, can be seen by his
act such falling on his knees and screaming.
The explanation above is based on the data number 49 below:
“Sohrab!”...
I knocked on the bathroom door. ... I pushed the door
open. ... Suddenly I was on my knees, screaming.
(Hosseini, 2003:299)
4.5.2 Neurotic Anxiety
Neurotic anxiety is described as an emotional response which is derived
from a fear of the severe negative consequences that may result from doing
something terrible. This anxiety appears when a person is afraid to get any
punishment if his ego can not control his id.
Dealing with the definition and explanation above, Amir’s anxiety that
caused Amir run away from the alley, because of his fear after imagining Assef’s
punishment he will get if he saves Hassan, can be seen as neurotic anxiety.
The id of Amir is his willing to save Hassan from Assef by wanting to
say something to make Assef knows that Amir is there to save Hassan. So that,
saving Hassan from Assef should be Amir’s ego. Unfortunately, in the process of
thinking whether Amir would save Hassan or not, Amir’s anxiety about the
consequences and punishment that Amir imagines will get from Assef, made
Amir afraid. Therefore, the worry Amir got by imagining a punishment he would
get from Assef, if Amir’s ego can not control his id to save Hassan, belongs to the
neurotic anxiety.
In addition, the neurotic anxiety Amir experienced, represents Amir’s
general description as a coward person, since, that neurotic anxiety makes Amir
becomes a person who lack of courage to face unpleasant situation such Hassan’s
sexual harassment and to save Hassan from Assef. Furthermore, this Amir’s
neurotic shows the internal conflict arises within himself dealing with unpleasant
situation he sees.
The explanation above is based on the data number 18 and 20 below:
I opened my mouth, almost said something...
(Hosseini, 2003:64)
In the end, I ran.
I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of Assef and
what he would do to me. I was afraid of getting hurt.
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
4.5.3 Moral Anxiety
Moral anxiety is an anxiety or the emotional response that appears when
the ego threatened by punishment from the superego. A person experiencing a
moral anxiety means he does not follow his superego which has already given him
a true moral direction but prefers to follow his id for certain reason. Later, this
anxiety leads the person experiencing the feelings of shame, guilt or selfcondemnation as the superego punishment.
Dealing with the definition of moral anxiety above, Amir as the main
character in the story, seen as a character who experiences some moral
anxieties after betraying Hassan for his own purpose. Becoming an insomniac,
can not see the word Amir carved in Amir and Hassan’s favorite pomegranate,
feel guilty when uttering Hassan’s name, being confused to judge Amir
himself as a murderer of Hassan, are the example of Amir’s moral anxiety in
The Kite Runner.
According to the explanation above, the first Amir’s moral anxiety
appears when he became an insomniac and tried to tell to anyone who sleep
near him that he watched Hassan got raped by Assef. Being an insomniac, can
be seen as the result of Amir’s anxiety he got after letting Hassan got sexual
harassment from Assef. In addition, Amir also said in his monologue, the
reason he wants someone hear his confession is he hope he would not have to
live with that lie anymore. The sentence “would not have to live with that lie
anymore” emphasizes the feeling of guilt Amir experienced after letting
Hassan got raped by Assef and act as if he never knew what already happened
with Hassan in the alley.
In addition, the moral anxiety Amir experienced which described by
his insomniac, also shows Amir’s general description as an anxious person.
For, the insomnia Amir gets describe his uncomfortable feeling for hiding a
rude fact such sexual harassment that Hassan got. Furthemore, this moral
anxiety, shows also an internal conflict Amir experienced about.
The explanation above is based on the data number 23 below:
“ I watched Hassan get raped,” I said to no one. ... A part
of me was hoping someone would wake up and hear, so I
wouldn’t have to live with this lie anymore...
That was the night I became an insomniac.
(Hosseini, 2003:75)
The second moment showing Amir’s moral anxiety happened when Amir
could not stand looking at the sentence Amir carved on the pomegranate trunk,
stating , “Amir and Hassan : The Sultan of Kabul.”. Yet the sentence , “Amir and
Hassan : The Sultan of Kabul” represents the close friendship of Amir and
Hassan.
The confession Amir makes, saying that he can not stand to look at to the
carving words, represents Amir’s guilt and shame toward his betrayal he did to
Hassan, as the words he ever carved on symbolizing the close friendship between
them. In this moment, the a feeling of shame and guilt Amir got, came from his
ego which is punished by his superego.
Furthermore, the moral anxiety Amir got by can not stand looking at the
sentences he ever carved on the pomegranate’s tree which is represented Amir’s
shame and guilt toward a betrayal he did to Hassan, also describes Amir’s general
description as a coward person. In addition, this Amir’s moral anxiety shows too
the internal conflict within himself that makes him can not stand looking at the
sentences he craved on Amir and Hassan’s favorite pomegranate’s trunk.
The explanation above is based on the data number 24 below:
The words I’d carved on the tree trunk with Ali’s kitchen
knife, Amir and Hassan : The Sultan of Kabul ... I couldn’t
stand looking at them now.
(Hosseini, 2003:76)
The third moment showing Amir’s moral anxiety dealing with betrayal
he did toward Hassan, happened when he was an adult and he suddenly uttered
Hassan’s name after for along time he never did it anymore. Amir confessed to
himself that by uttering Hassan’s name he felt that the thorny old barbs of guilt
bore into him once more.
The word “old barb of guilt” represents the old event of betrayal Amir
did when he was boy which never could be erased and already made Amir guilty.
Moreover, Amir described his guilt and anxiety by saying how the air in Rahim
Khan’s little flat suddenly was too thick and hot that made him could not take
breath freely. Amir’s difficulty breathing is an evidence Amir’s anxiety. Difficulty
breathing appears as one effect of heart papilation as a physical effect of anxiety.
The difficulty breathing is caused by an abnormality of heartbeat that ranges from
often unnoticed skipped beats or accelerated heart rate.
Dealing with explanation above, feeling about the old barbs of guilt bore
into him, the air in Rahim Khan flat which suddenly become thick and hot which
indirectly describes Amir’s difficulty breathing, are the symbols of Amir’s moral
anxiety.
Besides that, the moral anxiety Amir got such feeling the air in Rahim
Khan’s flat becomes too thick and the feeling of guilt that bore into him after
uttering Hassan’s name hot after uttering Hassan’s name, describes Amir’s
general description as an anxious person. Since the feeling of a thick and hot air,
and guilt experienced by Amir, shows his lack of courage when Rahim Khan
recalled Hassan to Amir. In addition, the symptom Amir got, such difficult in
breathing, shows the internal conflict arises within himself.
The explanation above is based on the data number 31 below:
“Hassan,” I said. ... Those thorny old barbs of guilt bore
into me once more, ... Suddenly the air in Rahim Khan’s
little flat was too thick, too hot,...
(Hosseini, 2003:176)
The last moment showing Amir’s moral anxiety happened when Amir
knew that Hassan already killed by The Taliban. In this situation Amir’s moral
anxiety appears in a form self-condemnation.
Amir’s self-condemnation can be seen when Amir thought that he could
be one of the reason of Amir’s death. Amir realized that he might have not
brought the Taliban to the house to kill Hassan. But Amir thought that the
condition might be different too if in the past Amir never sent Hassan out from his
home and his life.
Furthermore, Amir’s moral anxiety which is came to him by thinking that
he can be called as Hassan’s murderer, also shows Amir’s general description as
an anxious person. Beacuse the way Amir shows his dilemma by thinking whether
he can be assumed as Hassan’s murderer too or not, represents his personality as a
person who feels worry about something that is happening. In addition, this
Amir’s moral anxiety also shows the internal conflict that arises within himself.
The explanation above is based on the data number 37 below:
... I hadn’t brought the Taliban to the house to shoot
Hassan. But I had driven Hassan and Ali out of the house.
..things might have turned out differently if I hadn’t?
(Hosseini, 2003:198)
Dealing with the explanation above, it can be summed up that according
to the source of Amir’s betrayal and the act of Amir’s betrayal toward Hassan, the
consequences that Amir have to get is experiencing the realistic, neurotic and
moral anxiety in his life.
A betrayal toward Hassan is the biggest source of anxiety that is
experienced by Amir. So that, moral anxiety which is experienced by Amir
become the most dominant anxiety he gets. Meanwhile, the realistic and neurotic
anxiety become the proof of Amir’s source and reason of betrayal he did toward
Hassan, although there is one realistic anxiety which correlates between Amir’s
guilt and Sohrab’s suicide.
4.6 Amir’s Motive
Based on Maslow’s Motive theory, motive is divided into five, namely
physiological need, safety and security need, belongingness and love need, self
esteem need and self actualization need. In The Kite Runner, as the main
character, Amir shows his motive to get pursue his gaol and to solve his own
problem. These are following explanation :
4.6.1 Safety and Security Need
Safety and security need is described as a need of a person who wants
to get stability and freedom from such threatening forces as illness, fear, and
chaos. Amir, as a the main character who experiences conflict and anxiety, needs
to get stability and freedom from threatening, fear and chaos .
The first situation showing Amir’s safety and security need happened
when Amir decided to ran away from the alley than saved Hassan who got sexual
harassment from Assef. Amir was too coward to save Hassan. Moreover, Amir
confessed to himself that he was afraid got hurt by Assef if he saved Hassan.
Dealing with Amir’s reason to run away, the decision Amir makes to
run away is controlled by his safety and security need. By running away, Amir
tries to get stability and freedom from the unpleasant situation that makes him
afraid.
In addition, Amir’s decision to run away than save Hassan which is
controlled by his safety and security need also shows Amir’s general description
as a coward person. Because, the reason behind Amir’s decision to run away, such
being afraid of getting hurt by Assef, shows clearly Amir personality as a person
who lack of courage when he is facing the dangerous and unpleasant situation.
The explanation above is based on the data number 20 below:
In the end, I ran.
I ran because I was a coward. I was afraid of Assef and
what he would do to me. I was afraid of getting hurt.
(Hosseini, 2003:68)
Amir’s decision to run away from the alley when he let Hassan got raped
by Assef, does not make Amir solves his fear. Amir still could feel a fear within
himself.
Burying Amir’s face in Baba’s chest, after letting Hassan got raped by
Assef, can be seen as Amir’s effort to calm himself down. Dealing with that
explanation, the reason or motive behind Amir’s act such burying his face in
Baba’s chest, in order to made him felt comfortable and get freedom from the fear
he got, can be seen as safety and security need.
The explanation above is based on the data number 22 below:
I buried my face in the warmth of his chest and wept.
Baba held me close to him,... In his arms, I forgot what I’d
done. And that was good.
(Hosseini, 2003:69)
Doing immoral thing, such letting Hassan got raped by Assef, makes
Amir experiencing anxiety. Amir’s anxiety leads him feels a tremendous fear,
guilt, shame and self-condemnation.
Amir’s guilt and fear ,dealing with his anxiety, can be seen by the
behavior Amir makes to stay away from Hassan. Hassan was confused why Amir
tried to stayed away from him and made both of them did not played together
anymore. So that, Hassan asked Amir the reason they did not play anymore.
Amir ,as a person who experiences guilt and fear toward Hassan, feel
stress when hearing Hassan’s question about the reason they never played
together anymore. Therefore, Amir tried to bury his head in his lap. Amir’s act
toward Hassan’s question such burying head can be seen as his effort to get
stability from fear and guilt he suddenly experienced. Therefore, the motive
behind Amir’s act such burying his head on his lap belongs to safety and security
need.
The same question Hassan asks to Amir makes Amir stress. Amir
realizes that he needs to make Hassan stays away from Amir by saying what
actually Amir wants. So that Amir answered Hassan question, by delivering his
willing to see Hassan go away from him.
Dealing with Amir’s answer, asking Hassan to go away, Amir’s motive
behind his answer belongs to safety security need. By Amir’s answer, Amir shows
his willing to get freedom for his guilt and fear toward Hassan, since Amir always
feel guilty and afraid when Hassan around Amir.
In addition, the clash of idea between Hassan’s willing to maintain his
friendship with Amir, by asking the reason they never played together anymore,
and Amir’s answer by yelling Hassan to go away, shows the external conflict
experienced by Amir against Hassan.
The explanation above is based on the data number 25 below:
.. “ I don’t know why we don’t play anymore.”...
I buried my head in my lap,... ...
“...I want you go away,” I snapped.
(Hosseini, 2003:77)
Amir’s fear and guilt toward Hassan, dealing with betrayal he did, is
growing bigger since Amir’s fear and guilt arises within himself happens even
when Hassan does not approach him. As a boy, Amir can not stand toward his
tremendous guilt and fear. So that, Amir made a dirty trick to send Hassan out
from Amir’s home and life.
Amir uses his dirty trick to make Hassan seen as a thief by putting some
money and wristwatch under Hassan’s mattress. According to the fear and guilt
Amir has, Amir’s trick to send Hassan out from Amir’s home can be seen as
safety and security need. Amir hopes he will get freedom from his fear and guilt if
he can make Hassan go away from his life.
Besides that, the dirty trick Amir made to send Hassan out from his home
and life which is controlled by his safety and security need dealing with his guilt
he can not bear after betraying Hassan, shows his general description as sly
person.
The explanation above is based on the data number 27 below:
Then I took a couple of the envelopes of cash from the
pile of gifts and my watch,... I went to downstairs, crossed
the yard, and entered Ali and Hassan’s living... I lifted
Hassan’s mattress and planted my new watch and a
handful of Afghani bills under it.
(Hosseini, 2003:90-91)
The last Amir’s safety and security need as his motive appears when
Amir finally knew that his life was the cycle of lie and betrayal. Both of he and
his Baba betrayed Hassan who actually Baba’s illegitimate son and Amir’s half
illegitimate brother. Baba betrayed Hassan by letting Hassan live as an invaluable
Hazara and Amir betrayed Hassan by letting him got raped by Assef for Amir
own purpose.
The fear and guilt Amir had within himself grew bigger after he realized
that the person he betrayed in the past was actually his half brother. There is no
person who wants to live with fear and guilt, and so does Amir. So that, when
Rahim Khan told Amir that there was a way to redeem Amir’s sin and betrayal
toward Hassan, by taking Sohrab, Hassan’s son, out from Kabul, Amir received
Rahim Khan requested. Dealing with the purpose Amir had, to end or get freedom
from his guilt by taking out Sohrab from Kabul, Amir’s motive that derives his
decision to go to Kabul belongs to safety and security need.
The explanation above is based on the data number 38 and 39 below:
...my entire life, ... had been a cycle of lies, betrayals, and
secrets. ... There is a way to be good again, ... with a little
boy. An orphan. Hassan’s son. Somewhere in Kabul
(Hosseini, 2003:198)
I looked at the round face in the Polaroid again,... My
brother face. ... I found Rahim Khan,...then I told him I
was going to Kabul...
(Hosseini, 2003:199)
4.6.2 Belongingness and Love Need
Belonging and love need is a need that person has to look for and share
attention, affectionate relationship, caring and love with other, and a group of
people around him or her, such as family, classmates, clique even boyfriend or
girlfriend. As the main character of The Kite Runner, Amir’s belongingness and
love need appears twice. The first, when Amir asked Sohrab to live with Amir
and his wife in America. Second, when Amir said to Sohrab “for you, a thousand
times over” after asking whether Sohrab wanted Amir chase the kite or not.
As stated by the preview above, the first Amir’s belongingness and love
need appears when Amir asked Sohrab to get new life with Amir and his wife in
America. The reason of Amir’s request to Sohrab is caused by his affection and
caring which grow firmly after Sohrab helping Amir in fighting Amir had with
Assef.
The words that emphasize Amir’s firm affection and caring as his
belongingness and love need behind his request to Sohrab, to live with Amir in
America, are “had irrevocably bound us.”
In addition, Amir’s belongingness and love need which controls Amir to
ask Sohrab to get a better life with Amir and his wife in America also represents
Amir’s general description as a caring person. Since, Amir’s act such asking
Hassan to get a better life with him in America describes Amir’s affection and
concern toward Sohrab as a person who saves Amir, and as an orphan who
already lost his happiness and right as a human in Kabul.
The explanation above is based on the data number 44 below:
What had happened in that room with Assef had
irrevocably bound us. ... “Would you like to come live in
America with me and my wife?”
(Hosseini, 2003:279)
The next condition, showing Amir’s belongingness and love need as his
motive happens when Amir said to Sohrab that he would do what Sohrab’s
request anytime and many times he wants before Amir go chasing the kite. The
sentence Amir used to described his attention to grant all Sohrab willing, include
chasing the kite, is “For you, a thousand times over.” Furthermore, dealing with
Amir’s attention and concern toward Sohrab to get his trust back by chasing the
kite they won, Amir’s general description as a caring person appears clearly.
The explanation above is based on the data number 53:
“Do you want me to run that kite for you?” ... I thought I
saw him nod.
“For you, a thousand times over,”
(Hosseini, 2003:323)
4.6.3 Self Esteem Need
Based on Maslow’s theory about self esteem, self esteem is divided
into two basic types. The first level is a need of self respect. The second level is
respect from others.
In a level of self respect need, person needs to know whether he or she
is capable to handle a task and challenge or not. This self respect includes desire
for competence, confidence, and achievement.
In addition, in the second level which described as a need of respect
from others, this person wants to be recognized and valued by other people.
Desire of prestige, recognition, reputation, acceptance and status belong to this
level.
As the main character of the story, Amir shows his self esteem need by
trying to win kite-fighting tournament to show Baba that Amir is worthy dealing
with Baba’s perception toward Amir’s personality as a coward boy.
Amir’s willing to show Baba that he is worthy represents Amir’s need
for respect from other. Amir believes, if he could win the kite-fighting
tournament, he would get back his good reputation toward Baba’s perception
about him.
Besides that, Amir’s self esteem need which controls him to follow the
kite-fighting tournament and makes him believes that he can win the tournament,
shows his general description as an optimistic person. Since, Amir shows his
confident as an optimistic person by the sentence “I was going to win, and I was
going to run the last kite.”
The explanation above is based on the data number 10 below:
I was going to win, and I was going to run the last kite.
Then I’d bring it to home and show it to Baba. Show him
once and for all that his son was worthy.
(Hosseini, 2003:49)
Beside wants to get a good reputation from Baba, another reason that
Amir have, to win the kite-fighting tournament, is Amir willing to get Baba’s
respect and recognition.
In Amir’s life, Amir always feels like his Baba never paying attention
and recognizing Amir. Amir feels like Baba never account his existence. Amir’s
feeling for not being recognized, described by the sentence “my life as a ghost in
this house.”. So that Amir believes if he can win the kite-fighting tournament,
Baba will recognize his existence. Dealing with the explanation before, Amir’s
motive, to win the kite-fighting tournament, belongs to need of respect from other
as part of self esteem need.
Getting Baba’s recognition is not the only Amir’s willing to win the kitefighting tournament. Another Amir’s reason to win kite-fighting tournament is
getting Baba’s respect toward him. The respect Amir tries to get by winning the
kite-fighting tournament can be seen by the way he wants to be called as Amir
Jan by Baba. Dealing with the suffix jan in a Afghan name, the purpose of
adding jan is to show a respect to the addressee.
The explanation above is based on the data number 11 below:
Then maybe my life as a ghost in this house would finally
be over. ... Maybe he’d call me Amir jan like Rahim Khan
did.
(Hosseini, 2003:49)
The last proof which emphasizes Amir’s motive to win kite-fighting
tournament is belonging to his self esteem need, is his willing to be looked at not
just seen, to be listened to and not just be heard. From Amir’s willing to be
looked and to be listened, it can be concluded that Amir is a boy who lack of
recognition. Yet as a boy who grows up motherless he needs Baba’s attention.
Dealing with the condition and Amir’s willing to be recognized, a motive behind
Amir’s willing to win the kite-fighting tournament belongs to second level of self
esteem need, known by need of respect from other.
The explanation above is based on the data number 12 below:
..this was my one chance to become someone who was
looked at, not seen, listened to, not heard.
(Hosseini, 2003:57)
Dealing with the analysis above, it can be concluded that from the five
Abraham Maslow’s theory about hirearchy needs, Amir as the main character of
The Kite Runner shows three dominant needs namely safety and security need,
belongingness and love need, self esteem need dealing with his goal to get Baba’s
recognition and respect, his problem to overcome his anxiety dealing a betrayal he
did toward Hassan , and his effort to redeem his betrayal toward Hassan as his
illegitimate half brother by taking out Sohrab from Kabul and giving him a better
life. But, from those three dominant motive Amir has, the most dominant motive
is safety and security need. Since, Amir’s betrayal toward Hassan, as the source of
his safety and security need, gives Amir more conflicts and impacts toward his
personality, behavior and general description as the main character of the story.
CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
5.1. Conclusion
This thesis entittled Amir’s anxiety and motive in Khaled Hosseini’s The
Kite Runner analyze Amir’s anxiety and motive. Library research method is used
to gain the references related with the object of analysis . The structural and
psychological approach are usde to analyze the intrinsic and extrinsic elements.
The structural approach is used to analyze character, conflict, setting and plot.
Meanwhile, psychological approach is used to analyze Amir’s anxiety and motive.
The results show Amir as a caring, inferior, coward, optimistic, anxious,
selfish, careless, sly and patient person. Amir is round static character since he has
more than one specific trait but his characteristic as a caring person remains the
same from beginning to the end of the story. Amir experiences both internal and
external conflict. Amir’s internal conflict caused by a clash of emotional feeling
within himself. The external conflict experienced by Amir appears against
Hassan, Baba, Rahim Khan, Assef, Raymond Andrew, Omar Faisal, and Sohrab.
The setting in The Kite Runner is setting of time, social and place. The
settings of time are 1975-December 2001, winter, March 1981, June 2001, and
August 2001. The settings of social are the different social class between Amir
and Hassan, the history of Pashtuns and Hazaras great social barrier in Kabul, A
kite-fighting tournament as Kabul’s custom, the issues of Hazaras dignity. The
settings of places dealing with the conflict, motive and anxiety of Amir are Kabul,
San Francisco, Wazir Akhbar Khan, alley, Hassan’s home, Pakistan, Sarak-eMehmana, American Embassy, Bathroom Hotel, Lake Elizabeth, Fremont.
The plot of The Kite Runner reveals the exposition describes Amir’s
effort to get Baba’s recognition and respect by following and winning the kitefighting tournament. Inciting force shows Amir decision to send Hassan out from
his home dealing with anxiety he got after letting Hassan got raped by Assef. The
rising action shows Amir acceptance toward Rahim Khan request to take Sohrab
out from Kabul after knowing that Hassan is his illegitimate half brother. The
climax shows Amir’s effort to take Sohrab out from Kabul by experiencing a
fighting with Assef, Amir’s request to Sohrab to live with Amir in America,
Amir’s shock for finding Sohrab did suicide trial and Amir’s losing trust from
Sohrab. Finally, the resolution shows Amir and Sohrab’s arriving in America, and
Amir’s effort to get back Sohrab trust by chasing the kite they already won.
Amir’s anxiety and motive are the extrinsic element analyzed using
psychological approach. Realistic, neurotic and moral anxiety are anxiety
experienced by Amir. The sources of Amir’s realistic anxiety are Assef and
Sohrab. Meanwhile, the source of Amir’s neurotic anxiety is his imagination
toward Assef punishment. The source of Amir’s moral anxiety is his super ego
which punished his ego that already followed his immoral id to betray Hassan.
Finally, the most dominant anxiety experienced by Amir is moral anxiety.
Amir’s motive are safety and security need, belongingness and love need,
and self esteem. Amir’s safety and security need appears dealing with the betrayal
he did toward Hassan as a Hazara, and the fact that actually Hassan is Amir’s
illegitimate half brother. In addition, Amir’s belongingness and love need appears
twice, firts dealing with Amir’s caring toward Sohrab as a person who already
saved him from Assef and as the only family Amir has, second, dealing with a
broken promise Amir made which later made him lost Sohrab’s trust. Later,
Amir’s self esteem need appears as his motivation to follow and win the kitefighting tournament to get Baba’s recognition and respect. So that, the most
dominant motive experienced by Amir is safety and security need.
5.2. Suggestion
The Kite Runner is a literary work that contains both psychological and
sociological issues within the story. So that, the writer suggests for the next
analyst to analyze The Kite Runner using sociological approach since the social
barrier between Pashtuns and Hazaras in The Kite Runner appears clearly and
controls character’s behavior within the story. Beside the sociological approach,
the writer suggest the next analyst to approach The Kite Runner using semiotic
approach as the extrinsic element for there are some symbols within the story that
can be analyzed.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Bressler, C.E. 1994. Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and
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Endraswara, S. 2008. Metodologi Penelitian Sastra. Yogyakarta: Media
Pressindo.
Harsono, S. 1999. Metodologi Penelitian Sastra. Semarang: Yayasan
Deaparamartha Desktop Publishing.
Hejjle, A and Daniel J. 1992. Personality Theory 3rd Edition. Singapore:
McGraw-Hill International Edition.
Homby, A S. (Ed) 1995. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current
English. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hosseini, K. 2003. The Kite Runner. London: Bloomsburry Publishing Plc.
Klarer, Mario. 1999. An Introduction to Literary Studies. London and New
York: Routledge.
Mischel, W. 1981. Introduction to Personality 3rd Edition. New York:
Sounders Collage Publishing.
Morris, C. 1999. Psychology : An Introduction of Psychology. New York:
Mc Graw Hill Companies.
Nurgiyantoro, B. 2002. Teori Pengkajian Sastra Fiksi. Yogyakarta: GM
University Press.
Perrine, L. 1984. Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense. 4th Edition. New
York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.
Reaske, C. R. 1966. How to Analyze Drama. Monarch Press.
Semi, M. A. 1988. Anatomi Sastra. Padang: Angkasa.
Teeuw, A. 1984. Sastra dan Ilmu Sastra: Pengantar Teori Sastra. Jakarta:
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http://en.m/wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety Accessed on 13 July 2013
http://en.m/wikipedia.org/wiki/Palpitation Accessed on 19 September 2013
http://www.sagepublications.com Accessed on 15 April 2013
APPENDICES
No
1.
2.
3.
4.
Data
December 2001
I became what I am today at
the age of twelve, on frigid
overcast day in the winter of
1975.... I glanced up and saw a
pair of kite...San Fransisco, the
city I now call home.
... I thought about Hassan.
Thought about Baba. Ali.
Kabul.
Everyone agreed that my
father, my Baba, had built the
most beautiful house in the
Wazir Akhbar Khan district,...
.. Hassan and I parted ways. I
went past the rosebushes to
Baba’s mansion, Hassan to
mud shack... .
Classification
Setting of time :
1975-December 2001
Context
December 2001 was the time Amir told his story. Amir retold what
kind of person he was at that time, was influenced by his past in the
winter of 1975, once when he was twelve years old. A pair of kite
Amir saw remind him to Hassan, Baba, Ali and his life in Kabul.
Page
1-2
Setting of place :
Wazir Akhbar Khan
Amir lived with his Baba in Wazir Akhbar Khan district, Kabul. In
Amir’s neighborhood, his house known as a beautiful house, even
some people thought that his house was the prettiest houses in
Kabul.
Amir and Hassan grew up together. They always spent their time
playing together. When evening came, they went back to their own
living. Amir went back to his Baba’s mansion with rosebushes in
entryway and Hassan to his mud shuck.
4
... I reached across my seat,
slung my arm around him,
pulled him close. He rested his
General desription :
Caring person
There was a soldier yelled to Hassan when Amir and Hassan on their
way to Cinema Zainab. The soldier said that he knew Hassan’s
mother as a great whore.
7
Setting of social :
Amir and Hassan
social class
(Rosebushes mansion
against mud shack)
5
No
5.
Data
head on my shoulder.
They called him “flat-nosed”
because of Ali and Hassan’s
characteristic
Hazara
Mongoloid features. ... In it, I
read that my people, the
Pashtuns had persecuted and
oppressed the Hazaras. ... The
book said that my people had
killed the Hazaras, driven
them from their lands, burned
their homes, and sold their
women. The book said part of
the reason Pashtuns had
oppressed the Hazaras was
that Pashtuns were Sunni
Muslim, while Hazaras were
Shi’a. ... It also said some
things I did know, like the
people called Hazaras miceeating,
flat-nosed,
load
carrying donkeys.
Classification
Context
Setting of social :
History of Pashtuns
and Hazaras
When they arrived at the cinema and the movie was playing while
the room being dark, Amir heard Hassan cried. On that time, Amir
approached Hassan, slung his arm around Hassan, pulled Hassan
close and let Hassan rested his head on Amir’s shoulder.
Amir read his mother’s history book. In that book, there was a
chapter discussed about The Hazaras. Amir read what his people,
Pashtuns, had done to Hassan’s people, Hazaras. The history book
said that for long time ago the Pashtuns had persecuted and
oppressed the Hazaras. Many kind of violence Pashtuns did to
Hazaras, such as driven them from their lands, burned their homes
and sold their woman.
In addition, the book also mentioned the reason Pashtuns oppressed
Hazaras is their difference group as Muslim. Pashtuns belong to
Sunni Muslim and Hazaras are Shi’a.
Pashtuns also called Hazaras as “flat-nosed” because of their physic
mongoloid features.
Page
8
No
6.
Data
... I always felt like Baba hated
me a little. And why not?
After all, I had killed his
beloved wife,
Classification
General description:
Inferior person.
Context
Amir wondered when he and his Baba would have a good
conversation like what just they did, since Amir always assumed the
reason of his Baba was seldom talking with Amir was Amir
mother’s dead while she gave birth Amir. Amir thought himslef as
his father beloved wife murderer.
Page
7.
Of course, marrying a poet
was one thing, but fathering a
son who preferred burying his
face in poetry books to
hunting...well, that wasn’t
Baba had envisioned it, I
suppose. Real man didn’t read
poetry ... Real men – real boys
– played soccer just as Baba
had when he had been young.
“... I see how they push him
around, take his toys from
him, give him a shove here, a
whack there. And you know,
he never fights back. Never.
He just...drops his head and...”
General description:
Inferior person.
Another reason of Amir’s opinion about Baba’s lack of recognition
toward Amir, is Baba’s shame about Amir’s hoby as a bookworm of
poetry books. Amir always prefers to bury himself in some poetry
books than play soccer like another boy, and real men do.
17
General description :
Coward person.
Amir’s Baba told Rahim Khan about Amir’s cowardliness as a boy.
Baba told Rahim Khan that Amir never fought back when boys in
his neighborhood tried to annoy him.
19
Setting of time :
Winter
In Kabul and its district, a kite-fighting tournament always be held
every winter. For boys lived in Kabul, the day of the tournament was
undeniably. The kite-fighting tournament seems a war for all boys in
Kabul.
43
8.
9.
Every winter, district in Kabul
held
a
kite-fighting
tournament. ... ... the day of
the
tournament
was
Setting of place :
17
No
10.
Data
undeniably ... Kabul, fighting
kites was a little like going to
war
I was going to win, and I was
going to run the last kite. Then
I’d bring it to home and show
it to Baba. Show him once and
for all that his son was worthy.
Classification
Kabul
Setting of social:
Kite-fighting
tournament as
Kabul’s custom.
General description :
Optimistic person
Motive :
Self esteem need
Context
Page
When the winter came and the kite-fighting tournament would be
held, Amir thought that it was the time to get Baba’s recognition.
Amir realized that he was good kite fighter, so he wanted to win this
tournament to get Baba’s recognition and respect by showing Baba
that Amir was worthy.
49
11.
Then maybe my life as a ghost
in this house would finally be
over. ... Maybe he’d call me
Amir jan like Rahim Khan did.
Motive :
Self esteem need
By winning this kite-fighting tournament, Amir wished Baba would
be nice with him, accounted his existence in their home, and respect
him by calling him Amir jan.
49
12.
All I saw was the blue kite. All
I smelled was victory.
General description :
Optimistic person.
57
13.
...this was my one chance to
become someone who was
looked at, not seen, listened to,
not heard.
Motive :
Self esteem need.
There were two kites left on the sky, one was Amir’s kite. By seeing
his kite as one of two kites left on the sky, Amir believed he could
win the tournament.
Amir realized that winning the kite-fighingting tournament was the
only chance to be recognized by Baba.
Plot :
Exposition
Plot :
Amir opened his eyes and saw his kite already cut another last kite
58
14.
“We won! We won!” was all I
57
No
15.
16.
Data
could say.
... I saw him running toward
the bazaar awhile ago. ...
Hassan was standing at the
blind end of the alley...
Classification
Exposition
Setting of place :
alley
Blocking Hassan way out of
the
alley...Wali..Kamal..Assef...
I felt my body clench up, and
something cold rippled up my
spine.
Anxiety :
Realistic anxiety
Conflict :
Internal.
Context
down. He screamed “we won”. It was all he could say.
Amir looked for Hassan since he have not came back yet from
chasing the last kite. Amir asked his friend if he saw Hassan. Amir’s
friend said that he saw Hassan running to the bazaar awhile ago.
Later, when Amir arrived at the bazaar, he heard a voice coming
from the alley. Amir followed the voice and saw Hassan was
standing at the blind end of the alley.
Amir found Hassan in a alley, but there were three boys blocked
Hassan’s way out. Those boys were Wali, Kamal and Assef. Seeing
this situation, Amir felt his body clench up and later something cold
rippled up his spine.
Page
60-62
62
General description :
Anxious person.
17.
I realized I
breathed out.
slowly, quietly.
still hadn’t
I exhaled,
General description :
Coward person.
18.
I opened my mouth, almost
said something. Almost. The
rest of my life might have
turned out differently if I had.
But I didn’t. I just watched. ...
Conflict :
Internal
General description :
Coward person.
Seeing Hassan trapped by Assef and his gang made Amir afraid. He
just could see. He realized that he still hadn’t breathed. When he
tried to exhale, he exhaled his breathing slowly and quietly. He felt
paralyzed because of his fear toward unpleasant situation he faced.
63
Amir almost opened his mouth and said something to save Hassan
when he knew Assef was going to harass Hassan. But it was just
almost. At the end Amir just watching.
64
Conflict :
Internal
No
19.
20.
Data
I stopped watching, turned
away from the alley. ... I was
weeping.
In the end, I ran.
I ran because I was a coward. I
was afraid of Assef and what
he would do to me. I was
afraid of getting hurt.
Classification
General description :
Coward person.
Conflict :
Internal.
General description :
Coward person.
Anxiety :
Neurotic anxiety
Context
Amir stop watching Hassan when he got raped by Assef, and
decided to turn away from the alley. Amir was too afraid to see
unpleasant thing happened toward Hassan. Later, Amir also realized
that he was weeping.
Page
Amir accepted himself as a coward person when he decided to run
away and let Hassan got raped by Assef. Amir realized that one of
the reason why he ran away because of his fear toward Assef. Amir
was afraid of getting hurt if he saved Hassan.
68
Another Amir’s reason letting Hassan got raped by Assef was he
knew that Assef’s argument was true. Nothing was free in this
world. Amir thought that Hassan was the price he had to pay to win
Baba’s recognition by keeping the last kite on Hassan. As a Muslim,
Amir symbolized Hassan as a lamb that he needed to slay for a
purpose. Furhtemore, Amir said to himself that in fact Hassan was
just a Hazara.
68
Amir went home with his last kite from kite-fighting tournament.
Amir opened Baba’s study room and found his Baba smiled at him.
69
67
Motive :
Safety and security
need.
21.
22.
Assef was right: Nothing was
free in this world. Maybe
Hassan was the price I had to
pay, the lamb I had to slay, to
win Baba. ... He was just a
Hazara, wasn’t he?
I buried my face in the warmth
of his chest and wept. Baba
Plot :
Inciting Force
General description :
Selfish person.
Setting of social :
Hazaras dignity
Plot :
Inciting Force
Motive :
Safety and security
No
23.
24.
25.
Data
held me close to him,... In his
arms, I forgot what I’d done.
And that was good.
“ I watched Hassan get raped,”
I said to no one. ... A part of
me was hoping someone
would wake up and hear, so I
wouldn’t have to live with this
lie anymore...
That was the night I became
an insomniac.
Classification
need.
The words I’d carved on the
tree trunk with Ali’s kitchen
knife, Amir and Hassan : The
Sultan of Kabul ... I couldn’t
stand looking at them now.
Conflict :
Internal.
... “ I don’t know why we
don’t play anymore.”...
I buried my head in my lap,...
“...I want you go away,” I
snapped.
Conflict :
Internal.
Anxiety :
Moral anxiety
Context
Baba opened his arm and hugged Amir. In his Baba’s chest and
wept, Amir felt save. He could forget the sin and betrayal he just did
toward Hassan.
Amir still could not sleep when all of his family already fell asleep.
In this time, Amir thought about Hassan and his betrayal. Amir
became an insomniac. Amir said to no one that he watched Hassan
got raped. Amir revealed what he saw, for a part of him was hoping
someone would hear, so that he would not have to live with that kind
of lie anymore.
Page
Amir and Hassan went to the hill where their pomegranate stood.
Amir saw the words he had carved on the tree trunk “Amir and
Hassan : The Sultan of Kabul“ but he could not stand looking at
those words.
76
Amir felt depressed when Hassan around him. Once when Hassan
asked Amir the reason they never played together anymore, Amir
just could buried his head in his lap, and revelaed his willing to see
Hassan go away from Amir.
77
75
General
description:
Anxious person.
Anxiety :
Moral anxiety
General description :
Coward person.
Conflict :
External
Amir against Hassan.
Motive :
No
Data
26.
“ Baba, have you ever thought
about getting new servants?”...
“I’ve never laid a hand on you,
Amir, but you ever say that
again...” ... “ You bring me
shame.”
Then I took a couple of the
envelopes of cash from the
pile of gifts and my watch,... I
went to downstairs, crossed
the yard, and entered Ali and
Hassan’s living... I lifted
Hassan’s mattress and planted
my new watch and a handful
of Afghani bills under it.
27.
28.
March 1981...My innards had
been roiling since we’d left
Kabul just after two in the
morning.
Classification
Safety and Security
need.
Conflict :
External
Amir against Baba
General description :
Careless person.
General description :
Sly person.
Motive :
Safety and security
need.
Context
Page
Amir asked Baba whether Baba ever thought to get new servants or
not. Unfortunately, this kind of question made Baba angry toward
Amir.
77
Amir waited Ali and Hassan left their home to reveal his trick to
send Hassan out from his home and his life. So that, when Ali and
Hassan already went out, Amir entered their living and put some
money and his new watch under Hassan’s mattress. Amir wanted
send Hassan out from his house and life by making Hassan seen as a
thief.
90-91
March 1981, morning, was the time when Baba and Amir left Kabul,
because of political and economic issues which changed Kabul as
unsafe city to be lived in.
96
Setting of place :
Hassan’s home
Plot :
Inciting Force.
Setting of time :
March 1981
Motive :
Safety and security
need.
No
Data
29.
Come. There is a way to be
good again, Rahim Khan had
said on the phone just before
hanging up.
June 2001
...
A week later, I sat on a
window seat board a Pakistani
International Airlaines flight,...
30.
31.
32.
“Hassan,” I said. ... Those
thorny old barbs of guilt bore
into me once more, ...
Suddenly the air in Rahim
Khan’s little flat was too thick,
too hot,...
“Rahim Khan, I don’t want to
go to Kabul. I can’t!”
...
“Why me? Why can’t you pay
someone here to go? I’ll pay
for it if it’s a matter of
money.”
Classification
Plot :
Rising action.
Plot :
Rising action.
Setting of time :
June 2001
Context
Page
Amir received a call from Rahim Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Rahim Khan asked Amir to see him in Peshawar and finished the
conversation by saying “There is a way to be good again”.
168
On June 2001, a week later after receiving Rahim Khan phone, Amir
went to Peshawar, Pakistan to meet Rahim Khan.
166169
Rahim Khan confessed to Amir that when he was in Kabul he did
not live by himself but with Hassan. Amir uttered Hassan name and
suddenly he can feel that there was a big guilty feeling bore into him
once more. It made Amir felt that the air in Rahim Khan’s flat was
too thick. Amir can not breath easily.
176
Rahim Khan wanted Amir to grant his wish. Rahim Khan wished
Amir went to Kabul, tobring Sohrab out from there. But, Amir still
did not want to go to Kabul as he knew that Kabul was an unsafe
place. Amir argued Rahim Khan, if it was about money, Amir would
pay for it then. This statement made Rahim Khan angry toward Amir
since the reason of Rahim Khan asked Amir to take Sohrab was
bigger than money and he believed Amir knew the reason.
193194
Setting of Place :
Pakistan
Conflict :
Internal.
Anxiety :
Moral anxiety
General description :
Anxious person.
Conflict :
External
Amir against Rahim
Khan.
No
Data
“It isn’t about money, Amir! ...
I think we both know why it
has to be you, don’t we?”
Classification
Context
Page
33.
I felt like a man sliding down a
steep cliff, ... The room was
swooping up and down,
swaying side to side.
Conflict :
Internal
Amir was too shock to hear from Rahim Khan that Hassan was
Amir’s illegitimate half brother. He felt like a man sliding down a
steep cliff. He felt like the room was swooping up and down,
swaying side to side.
195
Amir was angry toward Rahim Khan after knowing from him that
Hassan was actually his illegitimate half brother. Amir screamed
Rahim Khan as a bastard. Amir was really angry knowing that whole
of his life was a big lie.
195
Amir was angry toward himself because he could not realize the
signs Baba showed to him to describe that Hassan was not just a
servant and Hazaras boy, by Baba’s caring and affection to Hassan.
Amir asked himself, how could his Baba lied to him and Hassan all
those years. Yet Baba ever told to Amir that the only sin was a theft.
When we told a lie, we stole someone’s right to the truth.
Amir talked to himself that he was not the reason Hassan passed
away in Taliban’s hand. But he also thinks that the condition might
be so different if he had not send Hassan out from his home when
196
34.
35.
36.
37.
General description :
Anxious person.
“You bastard,” I muttered.
Stood up. “You goddamn
bastard!” I screamed. “All of
you, you bunch of lying
goddamn bastard!” ... “... I’m
thirty-eight years old and I’ve
just found out whole my life is
one big fucking lie! ...”
How could I have been so
blind? The signs had been
there for me to see all along:...
How could he have lied to me
all those years? To Hassan?...
Conflict :
External
Amir against Rahim
Khan.
... I hadn’t brought the Taliban
to the house to shoot Hassan.
But I had driven Hassan and
Conflict :
Internal
Plot :
Rising action.
Conflict :
Internal
Conflict :
Internal
197
198
No
Data
Ali out of the house. ..things
might have turned out
differently if I hadn’t?
Classification
Anxiety :
Moral anxiety
Context
they were children. Since Hassan might be brought by Baba to
America to have a better and safe life there if Amir never send
Hassan out from his house and life.
Page
Amir realized that his entire life had been a cycle of lies, betrayals
and secret. So that, Amir need to end the cycle of lie and betrayal by
taking Hassan’s son out from Kabul.
198
Amir looked at Hassan’s face in Polaroid, his brother face. Amir
realized that Hassan was the only person who loved him very much
and it was the time to him to redeem his sin toward Hassan by taking
Sohrab out from Kabul. Later, Amir met Rahim Khan and said that
he would go to Kabul.
Steer 15, Sarak-e-Mehmana, Street of the guest, was an address
where Taliban’s house placed. Amir went to this house to find
Sohrab.
The leader of Taliban asked Amir about Babalu, Ali. Amir was
shocked since people who would call Ali’s name as Babalu were a
people from his neighborhood in Wazir-Akbar Khan. It means this
Taliban knew who was Amir although he already used a fake beard.
199
The Taliban knew who was in front of him by laughing and saying
did Amir think that he would not recognize Amir with the fake beard
246
General description :
Anxious person.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
...my entire life, ... had been a
cycle of lies, betrayals, and
secrets. ... There is a way to be
good again, ... with a little boy.
An orphan. Hassan’s son.
Somewhere in Kabul
I looked at the round face in
the Polaroid again,... My
brother face. ... I found Rahim
Khan,...then I told him I was
going to Kabul...
...on Street 15, Sarak-eMehmana, Street of the Guest.
Motive :
Safety and security
need
The question hit me like a
hammer between the eyes. I
felt the color drain from my
face. My legs went cold.
Numb.
I tried to take a breath and
couldn’t. ...My face was
Conflict :
Internal
Plot :
Rising action
Plot :
Rising action.
Setting of place :
Sarak-e-Mehmana
General description :
Anxious person.
Conflict :
Internal
239
245
No
Data
burning.
...”Assef”
43.
44.
45.
46.
“You have to earn him.” ...
Getting thrown against the
wall,... Getting hurled against
the wall. ... The side of my
face slamming against the
corner of the television stand.
... Getting kicked.
What had happened in that
room
with
Assef
had
irrevocably bound us. ...
“Would you like to come live
in America with me and my
wife?”
The lawn outside the America
embassy in Islamabad was
neatly mowed,...
“Your petition to adopt this
young fellow. Give it up. ...”
Classification
Context
he used. The Taliban also said that he knew Amir’s father had
passed away. Later, Amir knew who was a Talib in front of him was
Assef.
Page
The only way to take Sohrab out from the Taliban house was by
doing fighting with Assef. Unfortunately, Amir was not a good
fighter. Assef thrown Amir against the wall and everything in the
room for many times.
250252
Amir felt that what happened between him and Sohrab in Assef
living made the kindship between him and Sohrab bound
irrevocably. So that Amir requested Sohrab to come live with him in
America.
279
Plot :
Climax.
Setting of Place :
America embassy
Amir went to the America embassy in Pakistan to relinquish
adoption petition as he wanted to adopt Sohrab.
284
Conflict :
External
Amir was angry toward Raymond, an embassy employee, since he
said that Amir was better to give up with his adoption petition. Amir
288
Anxiety :
Realistic anxiety
General description :
Anxious person.
Conflict :
External
Amir against Assef.
Plot : Climax.
Motive :
Belongingness and
love need.
General description :
Caring person
No
47.
48.
49.
Data
Classification
...
Amir against
“What are you saying, that I
Raymond Andrew,
should throw him back on the
embassy employee
street?” ... I got up.
“You could relinguish him to
Conflict :
an orphanage here, then file an
External.
orphan petition. ...”
Amir against Omar
“I don’t want to do that,” ... “I Faisal, an Immigration
promised him I wouldn’t send
lawyer.
him back to an orphanage.”
“Well,Mr.Faisal thinks that it
Conflict :
would really help if we
External
could...if we could ask you to Amir against Sohrab.
stay in a home for kids for a
while.”
Plot :
“You promised you’d never
climax
put me in one of those places,
Amir agha,” ... “Please!
Please, no!”
Sohrab!...
Setting of place :
I knocked on the bathroom
Bathroom Hotel
door. ... I pushed the door
open. ... Suddenly I was on my
Anxiety :
knees, screaming.
Realistic anxiety
Context
did not want to follow Raymond’s suggestion. So that, Amir decided
to get up and go.
Page
Amir talked with Omar Faisal, delivered his willing to adopt Sohrab,
but Omar Faisal said it was going to be difficult and took long time.
So that, Omar suggested Amir to send Sohrab back to an orphanage
while Amir made an orphan petition to adopt Sohrab. Amir rejected
Omars’ suggetion, automatically, as he already promised to Sohrab
that he would not ever been sent to the any orphanage anymore.
Amir told Sohrab what Omar Faisal suggested to him, such sent
Sohrab to an orphanage for awhile. Sohrab was shocked and recalled
Amir’s promise toward Sohrab about not sending him to any
orphanage anymore, a place where Amir knew that Sohrab got big
trauma.
295296
Amir looked for Sohrab in a bathroom. Amir wanted to inform
Sohrab that he did not need to be sent to an orphanage since
Soraya’s uncle already gave information that Amir could bring
Sohrab to America using humanitarian visa. Unfortunately, Amir
saw Sohrab comitted suicide. It made Amir shocked and screaming
then.
299
General description :
Anxious person.
297
No
50.
Data
“How are you?” I said. He
didn’t answer. ... Again I was
met by silence.
Classification
Plot :
Climax.
General description :
Patient person.
Context
Page
Amir tried to make conversations with Sohrab, but Sohrab already
lost his trust to Amir. Sohrab did not wanted to answer the
conversation.
307
Amir and Sohrab arrived in America in August 2001.
312
Amir took Soraya, Khala Jamila and Sohrab to Afghans’ gathering at
Lake Elizabeth Park in Fremont. Later, this place was a place where
Amir tried to get back Sohrab trust and hope toward Amir.
317
Amir successed cut down the kite of another kid, so that he asked
Sohrab whether he wanted Amir to chased the kite or not. Sohrab did
not give any words to show Amir that he wants Amir chasing the
kite for him, but Amir thought he saw Sohrab’s nod. Later, Amir ran
away, chased the kite while saying to Sohrab a sentences Hassan
always said to Amir, “for you, a thousand times over.”
323
Plot :
Climax
51.
52.
53.
We arrived home about seven
month ago, on a warm day in
August 2001.
I took Soraya, Khala Jamila,
and Sohrab to a gathering of
Afghans at Lake Elizabeth
Park in Fremont.
“Do you want me to run that
kite for you?” ... I thought I
saw him nod.
“For you, a thousand times
over,”
Setting of time :
August 2001
Plot :
Resolution.
Setting of place :
Lake Elizabeth Park,
Fremont
Motive :
Belongingness and
love need.
General description :
Caring person.
Plot :
Resolution